Can cyl heads be removed w/ eng on-bike??

[donstrom6]

Just a question,

Can the front and rear cylinder heads (not just valve covers) be removed while the engine in installed in the bike (or "on-wing" in aviation parlance)? 

I'd like to check my valve springs (think they might be weak and/or compressed beyond limits) while I'm doing the valve check (30,000 miles).

Thanks in advance for any info!!  -Don

[johnofchar]

I think you could, but in the end don't think it would be worth it. Also both side covers & flywheel would have to come off. Dropping the engine is not that bad as long as you have a jack to support it.

Weak springs is not likely unless you have a lot more than 30K miles. Check your valve adjustments & just do the compression check.

[donstrom6]

 

I'm not ready to tear down to THAT level just satisfy my curiosity!

I'll take your advice and keep it much simpler!

Thanks for responding so fast, John 

[Emerald_Rider]

You can take the front head off with the engine in the bike but not the rear head. There's not enough clearance.

Hope this helps.