Front sprocket removal?

[GuyS]

I can’t find anything in the service manuals (xs400 and xs400 seca). It looks simple like taking the two bolts out

 

[GuyS]

Also if in neutral is it normal for the front sprocket to have a bit of horizontal play?

 

[GuyS]

The two small 10mm bolts get removed and the oval “lock washer” spins to align to the notches in the sprocket spline to the notches on the transmission spline. The sprocket then slips off very easily. In fact it is a loose enough fit that I wonder if the play is intentional. Having a little bit of play may help the sprocket and chain accommodate slight misalignments with the rear sprocket. I am not sure about that YET! I’ll find out if the movement is engineered in or not, and post my definitive research discovery.