Removing Hydraulic Clutch Slave

[V1]

I would like to remove my clutch slave so I can access the sprocket cover. There are 3 bolts holding it to the bike. You can see them circled in this picture:

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=xbome&s=3

The Honda workshop manual says to drain the fluid from the system before removing the slave.

Do I really need to drain the system before removing it? Is it pretty easy to remove this slave and then get it back on?

 

[Norm Olt]

I don't think they want you to drop/scratch/lose the piston and/or seal when you pull the slave...

Is there a fitting so you can easily bleed the system on the slave cylinder?

 

[V1]

It has an ordinary bleeder and a banjo fitting.

Will the piston pop out if I don't drain the system? The piston does have a spring behind it within the slave itself. I would rather not drain it if I don't have to. Only 2 weeks ago I flushed the system with fresh DOT4.

 

[Mackelroy]

you should be able to remove it without draining, but put alarge zip tie around it or the piston may pop out then ya really have problems.

 

[SD26]

Exactly.

Put a zip tie or a bungie around the clutch lever. Then take off the slave.