I have a 1987 883 that I bought last week. I have completely torn the bike apart. In the process of doing so I noticed that the main shaft bearing was gone! Someone was driving this bike with out a bearing. I am wondering if anyone has seen this and if the outer race is replaceable. To me it looks like it was cast into the block. You can see where the gear threw its self into the housing. This will make or break my project build. I ordered the needle bearing but I assume it still must have an outer race. If so How the hell do you remove it. Thanks for all the help

 

You must have a bearing on the crankshaft, that came out of that side of the casing? I may be wrong (don't know those earlier bikes) but I would guess that steel ring is integral with the casting and is there to support the crankshaft bearing.

I don't believe the engine could run without a bearing in there. The crankshaft would jam in the casing and not rotate. I hope you're doing this work with a factory service manual by your side?!