New Gasket Needed Everytime the Sprocket Cover is Removed?

I intend to remove the drive sprocket cover to clean the gunk that is created by years of chain lube.

I know that the speed sensor and the clutch slave cylinder must be removed in order for the sprocket cover to come off.

The clutch slave cylinder should stay intact as a single piece with the push rod firmly in place so that no clutch fluid replacement or bleeding is needed. I have removed the sprocket cover for a CB1300, the setup I believe is similar but I do not remember needing a gasket for the clutch slave cylinder.

The question is, there seems be a need for gasket replacement from the workshop manual. Is a new gasket really needed?

Thanks

 

No, you will be fine in most cases but the piston will slowly come oot of the cylinder so be careful it does not come all the way oot. Just wrap some tape around it or use a zip tie.

 

+1 for peace of mind, a smidge of permatex on the old gasket is a winner - less is more