dreaded shift shaft seal R&R question

[82GS650G]

I'm replacing the shift shaft seal (first time on any bike) and want to ask before making a major mistake -

The yellow arrow in the picture points to metal backing that looks like it is the support for the outer seal and should stay in place (but the space between the inner metal surface and the outer engine casing looks too narrow for the 'outer' seal surface to fit. I'm hoping it's not some past hack attack that turns the routine into a horror -



I've read the threads on the forum and watched a couple of youtube videos but wanted to double check - is this the support for the seal or is it part of the factory seal that is 'different' from the replacement seal and is removed as part of the replacement.

I'm guessing it stays which means I have to continue the slow picking and removal process I've been doing for the last couple of evenings as the 'outer' seal didn't come out with the rest of the gasket, and I still have to hook the rest of the shaft seal.

[gearhead13]

I dont know about your 650 but mine has a washer and clip on the outside. The replacement seal doesnt have any metal in it besides the spring. I think it would be much easier and faster in the long run to pull your shift shaft out from the other side. I tried to replace mine without pulling the shaft and buggered up the sealing surface, now I have to pull the shaft to fix it.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

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Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[SqDancerLynn1]

Yellow arrow is part of the seal.. GET an OEM seal and you will see! The outer part of the seal is rubber coated to seal in the engine case. If you have a washer big enough to slide over the shaft and a piece of PVC pipe you can drive the seal home with just a few whacks

[tom203]

Yellow arrow is part of the seal.. GET an OEM seal and you will see! ...

Yes, get the OEM seal and you know more.