removal of left hand crank case cover honda xbr

[guest1620]

hi, please help if you can,  does the starter motor need to be removed to take of the left hand crank case cover on 85 xbr ? i have removed all bolts but the cover seems to be held on with a washer with a flat bottom where the starter motor pokes through into crank case cover, i just can't see how to remove it ! thanks, dave.

[SteveC#222]

You shouldn't need to remove the starter motor itself, just the gears. That washer can get stuck on with oil but should come off if you wiggle it with a screwdriver  blade or similar. Once you have all the casing bolts out it can take a bit to break the seal on the gasket - sensible 'persuasion' with a rubber mallet usually work. You will probably need a new gasket as they tend to tear. I can send you the revelant section from the workshop manual if you need it - just PM me your email address.

[guest1620]

Thanks very much for the info, cover already persuaded loose with 'Thor's mighty hammer' , I will try and dig  out /loosen the  washer , once again thanks for the advice.