Katana head gasket

[davementia]

Had great blast for the first time today on my Katana. These bikes really are great to ride. The only thing is i started getting a noise like a leaking exhaust. On closer inspection on the side of the road there was oil dripping on the exhaust. I'm pretty sure it the head gasket on its way as the rocker cover is dry.
Now iv'e never removed a head before although I have a 750 engine to practice on.
Can the head be removed in the frame and should I do the base gasket also. If so I might as well check everything else.
Or should I not touch it as a novice, setting it back up seems complicated but I would like to know anyway
Any advice out there

[Pedda]

Before you go on the head gasket you should have a look at the o-rings of the stud nuts and change these. In 95% of leaks which leads to head gasket suspicion it's these buggers.

[johnr]

although the noise might give it away as a head gasket. theyre easy enough to do yourself, and can be done with the engine in the frame. id leave the base gasket if its not leaking as getting barrels off can be a whole new set of problems.

[davementia]

The fact that oil is leaking from the gasket area i think it needs doing. Does'nt seem to be affecting the running if the bike but with past experience it will eventually.
Cheers.
Does anyone know what the best type of gasket to get ?

[Katgeezer]

OE ones are the best, try Robinsons or Crooks.
Failing that Cometic are good.

[johnr]

oe ones if its stock bore, cometic if its been taken out.

[davementia]

I think its stock but will check obviously.
I'm ok taking it apart but setting it back up again is something I'm going to have to learn, so any advice taken.
Thanks everyone.

[johnr]

get a haynes manual, the stripdown is detailed in there, its quite simple to do. just be systematic and lay everything out. take plenty of digital photos before and after each atage, showing wiring positions, ht positions, which bolts go where, cam positions etc. a week before you do it start spraying exhaust studs and nuts with wd40, consider swapping the camchain whilst you are at it, not imperative, but for the cost of the chain worth doing whilst the top is off, give it a thorough cleaning before you start, just makes it better to work on and cuts the risk of crap falling into the engine. make sure the head and barrel top are utterly spotless before reassembly.

[katmarch]

Make a cardboard template to put the bolts in as you remove them from the rocker cover.

[davementia]

Will take on board all the tips.
Have a 750 et manual, I assume it will be the same or does anyone think other wise?