Cylinder base gasket replacement

[kikdrum18]

Out riding with the wife in the country. I looked down and saw a small puddle of oil forming on the motor behind the head (left side). Looks like I'm going to need to install a new cylinder base gasket.....uuuugh.... X I feel this level of work is beyond my mechanical skill set. Anyone know if a good mechanic that would take it on? I'm in Florida and the bike is a 1980 GS850.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Before going with a gasket replacement check the head stud nuts. Sometimes it can be the easy things that fix a problem, not always of course. Checking the head stud nut torque before diving into a gasket could be the solution, will only cost you a few minutes and no money.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

It’s also well worth your time so see exactly where the leak is coming from. Degrease/wash and thoroughly dry everything. Spray the whole area with powdered foot spray. Run the engine a look closely to see what gets wet first. The leak may not be coming from where you think. Could be anywhere above your puddle, even on the front of the engine.