Topic: Stupid question: Do I need to drain the oil to pull the transmission cover?

[drumstyx]

Bike is stuck in 5th gear, so I'm figuring it's probably the gearshift linkage being funky, but of course to get at that I have to pull the transmission cover -- Assuming the oil tank is still full (not leaking into the crankcase) can I pull the transmission cover with minimal spillage, or do I have to drain 'er?

[PeWe]

On a CB750 not. Just lean bike about max 45 degrees to the right  like when removing the alternator cover. I have done it on an engine with leaking oil pump leaving most of the oil in engine, not in oil tank

[drumstyx]

Hmm...I wonder how I might stably support it at that angle...

[754]

 Tilt to the same angle as sidestand..block it up by the two bolts under point cover.
About a teaspoon or two of oil will come out no matter how you do it.

[drumstyx]

Put it on the centre stand sideways on my driveway for just a little tilt to the right. Couple teaspoons of oil came out, about what I was hoping for.

The bolt holding the 'stopper' in place came loose and the left side of that spring mechanism came off its holder. That supposed to have loctite or something?

[PeWe]

I leaned my bike against a wall to remove any of the left side covers with oil inside. As Frank wrote, like the side stand angle is enough.
I had a gear in to avoid bike to roll. In your case I should put something blocking the rear wheel to roll forward-backward.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Or put a clean pan underneath and recycle your oil back to the tank.