So i want to change my pads but i cant remove my front wheel. I have no jack and am working out of my parking lot. Do you need to remove the wheel? If so why? Thanks.

Tom

I don't see why you would need to remove the front wheel to remove the front caliper.  I removed the front caliper to make it easier to remove the front wheel to change the tire but the caliper was held on with 2 bolts to the fork if i remember correctly.  Just use the right size socket and make sure to put them back at the proper torque.

Thanks, the wiki guide said to remove the wheel and I was unsure to why and if you really needed to.

Yeah all you should need is the wrench for the caliper bolts, a C clamp to push the pistons back into the caliper, and some patience to wiggle the pads out and put the new ones in.

Confirmed, the calipers can be removed without taking off the front wheel. All you need is an 8mm allen wrench. The pads come out without tools on the 89-95 GS-500, and using a pair of needle nose pliers or a pick on the 96+ models.