The bike is sick.

[Scott221]

The zxr recently clocked over 20,000 miles. And is now at 20,800. I've noticed the engine is alot noisier than it was and obviously needs some attention. Although it still pulls very well through the revs. I plan to relace the cam chain and check the valves myself. However, the dreaded headgasket comes into the equation. How can I check if its on its way out, what are the first signs? If I'm gonna work on the engine I want to get it all done in one go if pos. Would I be better to just change the headgasket regardless?

[ian rycroft]

scott, i will tell you what my engine tuner allways tell me,if you think i will take a chance on it,then it will let you down.He must be right i have done 10 manx grand prixs and finished them all.

[RedexRobB]

pretty much it isnt it, when you think its alright it spites you and goes wrong.

I wanna do mine as its just coming up for 18k miles now so i know im not far away. Its also noiser than this time last year but then i have covered close to 4K miles since. The head gasket itself is only 20 odd quid plus the extra time to drop the engine, it will also make working on the cam chain and shims easier than having it in the frame.

I would do it regardless