Motorcycle Repair: 1978 XL 500, xl 500, clutch basket

Question
QUESTION:  Hi there.  I have a 78 XL 500. I am trying to change the kick start shaft. When I kick it over now it does not turn over the engine.   I have the clutch basket and everything out but I can not get the kick start shaft out of the crank. I have tried pulling it out...and putting vice grips on and tapping it out.  Is there a special way to get this off.

Thank you.

ANSWER: Honda didn't make a XL 500 in 78.  Could it be a XL350?

Regards
Rich

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
Sorry. I my bike is a 1979 XL 500, not a '78 like I wrote.  I still did not get my kick start shaft out. Do you know how to take this out.  Thank you

Answer
I've not been into too may of those engines so I can't say for sure.  However, I've looked at the pictures on the discount Honda website and it looks like the ratchet paw and spring are inside the crankcases.  If I'm interpreting it correctly, you'll have to split the cases to get the complete shaft out.  

Can you see the gear, and return spring with the clutch basket off?  If not it's inside the crankcase.

Regards,
Rich