I needed the special tool to get my clutch off. Others have fashioned a tool and were successful. The tool is about 3/16" metal wire, so kinda beefy. If your bolt is in there solid, it takes a bit of torque to break it loose. My friend was able to muscle his off by holding the pulley. His bolt was not that tight. He bought the tool (the one I borrowed!) but was unable to get it to work. I had to fiddle with it for quite awhile until it finally seated and I was able to apply torque. It is tricky if you have never done it before. Hard to describe. The tool is not that expensive and does work well.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400