removing shift drum needle bearings from lower case?

[Chuck78]

I'm rebuilding this 79 gs750n engine, and have the cases split. I want to powerwash all the grime off of the cases, but the only thing left attached is this caged needle roller bearing that the shift drum rides on just inside of where the gear indicator LED's switch mounts. How do I go about removing this without destroying it? I am thinking of just leaving it in and stuffing rags around it to keep the grime out.

I can post a picture when I clean up & get to my PC if needed.

Thanks

[GregT]

i've done both - washed the cases with it in, and pulled the bearing before washing.

You can wash with it in, don't mask it, just solvent wash and blow dry after doing the rest of the cases. Lube it generously after drying.
Alternatively, remove it and replace with new - it's a common roller bearing hence quite cheap.

[Chuck78]

I taped it off in the inside with packing tape, & reinstalled the gear indicator switch and o-ring. Then off to the car wash...

[rustybronco]

I just threw the lower case in a laundry tub filled with simple green and hot water then took a scrub brush to it. When it was clean I took an air hose, blew off the water, put it out in the sun to dry and oiled the bearing