primary drive gear removal
 

I have a 1998 VTR 1000 engine i am tearing down to recondition. I am having some difficulty removing the primary drive gear. In the service manual it does not list any specialty tools for removal or install. I have tried to remove it with mild to moderate force (prying on the back of it with a flathead screwdriver) but i do not not want to destroy any thing in the process. Just wondering if anyone may have some advice as to how to remove this safely. Any advice appreciated , Thanks.

Other than reinstalling the bolt part way and using a 2 jaw puller, I would recommend squirting some PB Blaster or Aero Kroil into the center of the gear and tapping it lightly with a brass hammer to try to break it free.

Thanks for the advice VTRsurfer . I got the gear off with a little PB and a rubber mallet. After 44000 miles i think the gear did not want to leave home.