TOPIC:

Shims are usually precison ground - Washers are "stamped". I'd go with a correct shim !

I'll post a photo when I get mine (if I don't forget..)
In the meantime, this is the only photo of it I found on the internet. I think it's a bit oily, but still looks kind of not very refined to me on first impression. I don't think it's made for real precise fit but just to have some backing behind the circlip and minimize any possible movement, rather than setting correct precise measurements, like it would be in gears inside the engine. The correct fit of the final gear is set by those thin and very thin precise shims that go between the final gear housing and the swing arm.
But it does make sense having it there. Still, why wasn't it?

In the meantime, a quick tip for anybody trying to beautify their bike before summer. Wiping sun burnt dark plastic surfaces with acetone might bring out the old luster.

Below a photo of the speedometer/tachometer cluster. The case was dull and rough from weather exposure. The left side is just after a few quick wipes wit acetone, the right side still not treated.

Re: the spacer.. regardless semantics, it looks more to me exactly like a stamped one, which I was going to post but it escaped me thus I posted the new thread asking for a deeper access to editing own posts.

Anyho... just took this photo of my bike few minutes ago. Hard to see everything that's simultaneously is going on. I can't post all the small steps, as it would add up to writing a book, but I hope pictures and the reader's seeking hawk's eye will spot and find all the guiding details.

The clutch basket has to come off, completely. Still no proper tool for the job. It's just a cleaning job, and I have new friction plates. Any redneck removal suggestions?
The copper penny doesn't work. I've seen a few solutions, but I need a DIY professional one.