[ducatiman]

From my research, I understand you're not supposed to remove the butterfly valve & shaft, but it can be done.

Yes, but be aware, no internal shaft parts are made available by Keihin, demanding mandatory reuse of same. Best o' luck to ya'.

 

[ducatiman]

anything man put together. can be taken apart by man, it's all a matter of force
FOG

and forcing decisions to be made such as....should I? Do I actually need to do this?

 

[ducatiman]

The problem isn't getting them apart, the problem is putting them back together and working properly.

Been there....certainly can be done....witness a set of 4 Mikuni CVK I split back in 2016. Not easy, but necessary to enable a full split in order to clean/replace/ renew leaking rail seals.