Motorcycle Repair: Engine Repair on 1984 Honda Nighthawk, connecting rod, crankshaft

Question
My son is trying to fix his 1984 Honda Nighthawk. He ran it out of oil and believes that the bearings on one connecting rod (the lower bearings on the crankshaft) are damaged. He has left the engine on the frame and has gotten down to the crankshaft but cannot remove the "bolts" that hold the bottom of the connecting rod onto the crankshaft.  He has taken off the oil pan and tried to access the "nuts" from below but cannot.  He thinks he has to take off the transmission, etc. and completely remove the crankshaft to get the rod off.  And he thinks he now must take the engine off the frame.  However, the "book" says that the crankshaft can be serviced without taking the engine off the frame.  Question: is it possible to remove a connecting rod from the crankshaft without removing the shaft (et al) and if so, how do you do that?  

Answer
Hi John.

As long as the rod and it's attachment bolts are visible from underneath, then the bolts should be physically accessible.

Contrary to what the book may imply, the access may not be so easy, but it will be possible.  He will likely need to have a long reach socket (or Allen wrench) to get to it and he may need to do some creative partial disassembly. But removal of the transmission should not be needed.  However, it is always easier to access deep engine parts with the engine removed from the frame.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON