After a few holes in my left side case caused by a broken gear, I pulled the motor out of my 86 250R. The question is, do I need to take off the right side for some reason? I want to make sure I'm doing it right before I pry the case apart, later finding out I skipped a step. Input?

 

when i pulled apart my old cr80r i had to pull the clutch apart too. use a egg crate to put all the little pins/shims/clips in and mark them with a pen. also maybe take a video as its a complex job

 

Yes you do need to take the right side off.
When splitting the cases make sure you replace your bearings and seals. Also your bearings are pressed in by the factory. When you replace them (only if you don't have a press) put the bearings in the freezer for a while before setting them back in the cases. It makes it a little easier. The bearings will shrink alittle bit. When you split them make note of what grooves your shifting forks are in. Make sure you put them back.
The other person who said to take a video, thats a good idea. Just set up a tripod that way you have both hands. Do you have case pullers. Before you by them look at some and you can make some yourself pretty cheap.

 

all the sugestions are great, a camera is a great idea. I recently split the case on a friends lt250r. TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!!!! Watch all of the shims in ORDER as you remove them. Replace all bearings and seals If you have any ???? you can even call me @716-334-9337 ask for brett Hope this helps. Do you have a indetailed tear down manual

 

Thanks guys. So far I've been putting screws back in their holes where possible, and remembering where the others go. I don't have a manuel yet. I'm the type of person that uses instructions when i need them (bad thing though)