gl1000 engine removal

[mothballs]

I was wondering if some one has some tips on removing the engine from a '78 gl1000, I've removed the engine from a couple gl1200's before without problems but I'm having a little trouble with this one !!! I have two spots that are troublesome, first, the drive shaft, on my gl1200 I just popped the boot off the back of the motor and pushed the drive shaft off the output spline, no problem, on the gl1000 when I do this the drive shaft won't budge, I can't get it to move back off the output spline on the back of the motor. Am I missing something ? Second, I'm not sure how to disconnect the clutch cable from the motor, again on the 1200 it's just a matter of disconnecting the hydraulic line, I'm not sure how to disconnect the cable ?!! I've looked on youtube for instructional videos, found lots on rebuilds but nothing on the actual removal of the engine. Any help on this would be greatly apreciated !! thanks, Dave

[dingdong]

On gl1000s the shaft is secured with a circlip. You will need an angled circlip tool. At the rear of the engine there is a round cover on the clutch housing cover. Remove the round cover and disconnect cable from clutch lifter.

[spiralout]

That circlip... That @$&%ing circlip... I know it well, and soon you will too...
You're going to need a new ring when you're done because that one will be shot after fighting it, cursing it, fighting it some more, taking a break for a shot of whiskey so you don't kick the bike over in frustration, struggling with it again, cursing it some more...
That circlip is the most PITA job on a 1000, imo.

[mothballs]

Thanks, for the tips guys, the engine is out, and yes, that cir-clip on the drive shaft was a B%#&!!ch !! now let the fun begin !!!