Removing Cams - Question

[Radioguylogs]

Thanks jetmechmarty and Deebs for your opinions.

I left out an important word in my my post. It was meant to say there are no kinks in the metal ring around the cylinder, but I left out the word "no". Shall I assume your opinions are still the same?

Seems the best alternatives at this point are Athena instead of OEM.

[Radioguylogs]

This looks pretty cool.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/16425933673...Bk9SR7qBhNG_Zw

Yeah, I was looking at that. I didn't check the dimernsions to confirm if it is the standard cylinder bore.

It's fascinating that it is reusable.

[DEEBS11]

Good heat transfer too. I never used one but they sure look good.

[jetmechmarty]

Regarding the copper gasket. I have a set for my XS650 and I wanted to go with it. It was too thin. It would raise compression and possibly advance valve timing enough to cause concern for valve piston contact. I did install the copper base gasket and a Vesrah head gasket.
That copper gasket is probably half the thickness of the OE gasket. If not, I’m a fan of the copper gasket. Otherwise, my first choice is a Vesrah head gasket, but I believe the Athena head gasket will be fine.

[bikerphil]

The standard bore size is 71.5mm and the Wiseco 1196 is 74.5mm. The 1179 Wiseco is 74.0

[Radioguylogs]

My last attempt was a Vesrah gasket and it looked the same as the original head gasket. It was really nice.

After receiving the bent OE gasket, I will follow the advice of my good friends here and find another choice.

I found a Yamaha OEM top end kit that includes a head gasket:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/29795030497...&segname=11400
The shape of the head gasket in the picture looks like it is the revised head gasket that does not require the extra seal around the cam chain tunnel.

I took Deeb's advice and asked the seller to pack it well. They put the kit into a cardboard box, so it should a good chance to arrive undamaged.

I'm taking a motorhome trip with the wife next week, so my next update might not occur until after May 16.