Removing head with engine still in bike?

[Guest]

We, the boys and I, need to replace a head gasket on his '79 GS425L.

Can anyone tell me, if we remove the valve cover, is there enough room to pull the head off with the engine still in the bike? It sure would make it a lot easier.

[Nessism]

Yes..........

[Seana23]

Yes..........

Yes......

Xxx

[Steve]

Yes.

......

[Guest]

Awesome!! Thanks everyone for the help. And away we go...

[Nessism]

Make sure you use OEM gaskets otherwise you have a high change of a leak. Ebay is a good place to find OEM gaskets for decent prices. While the head is off it's advised to pull the cylinder and change the base gasket at the same time, otherwise you can get a leak. Also, new valve stem seals are advised as they are sure to be hard and crusty. And a lot of GSR people take the opportunity to install new rings when the top end is off. Good fun.

[Guest]

Hey Nessism, I hear what you're saying. All of your items are in the discussion stage. My son wants to ride pretty bad. He only had a few weeks before the head gasket started leaking enough that he decided it would be best to park it. And that was about 3 months ago!!

It will be up to him if he wants to do the "smart" thing now or go with fix only the head gasket and get a bunch of riding in. Then do everything right over the winter. Thanks for the heads up...no pun intended.