Engine removal - Tips and Servicing?

[barrowmatt]

I've got my bike stripped so only the engine remains in the frame. Has anyone got any tips on how to get it out?

I know the mechanics of it, support the weight and remove the engine mount bolts but I mean any tips/tricks to make it easier. Is it a 2-3 man job, it looks like a heavy lump!

Also, whilst it is out what should I check or do with it? I'm taking it out for cleaning & painting but the engine has 30k miles on it and would like to give it a good check up whilst on the bench.

[amorti]

Remove the oil, undo the bolts, then tip the lot on its side, and extract the (undone) bolts, and lift the frame off. The top rear engine bolt is likely to be a pig, mind. Get that out however you can.

Might as well check the valves while you are there, but the engine is so simple that there isn't much else to do. Replace the main breather hose if at all perished, you could look at the clutch thrust washer and maybe oil pump drive pin. Umm, there really isn't much else to be done.