Thanks for the responses guys, appreciate it.
Mark, what would be a responsible refresh of the head? I didn't want to spend the $$ that I spent on the 750 last year, but I think this one is in better shape.
All the outer valve springs free lengths measure 1.57" (spec is 1.59", limit is 1.53"), inners are 1.39" (spec is 1.40", limit is 1.35").
The valve guides are all tight, all the intake valve seats look good, just the exhaust look like they need cleaning up, which I think a lap job would take care of.
Should I get new springs?
Ok, just my experience (opinion), re cut all the seats, replace the exhausts (valves), get new springs, install new valve stem seals. Piece of mind is a good thing. But I can do all of that, so again how invested do YOU want to be. I did a fz750 head (my bike) about 1 1/2 yrs ago w/18k on the clock, talk about pricey, OMG. 20 valves with a replacement cost at a minimum of $27 a pop, guides no different. To do it right, just the exhaust side of the equation was over $500, valves, guides, seals, and shims. Yeeeeah, not THAT invested. So I asked myself, "How much do I really need to spend on a 80's era mass produced bike."
In the end I found a used head (mine was damaged, whole other story) replaced 3 guides, re cut every freaking seat, found 20 useable valves (12 int's, 8 ex's) and lapped to the seats, installed new valve stem seals. Put it back together with a new piston and a fresh set of rings. It purrs like new, doesn't use a drop of oil, starts at the tap of the starter button and puts the same grin on my face for about $1000 less (minimum) had I done a more thorough job.
I figured that I got 98% of its potential for about 25% of the cost of going whole hog. So whats the cost of the last 2%? More than I'm willing to spend.
But to be honest and if I were you, clean it up, lap the valves in and see what you get, I'm betting it'll be perfectly fine given your budget and scope. If something pops up, you'll address it then. You wouldn't be the first nor the last to do it just that way, many have done less and been perfectly satisfied. I like John's approach, if it ain't broke, it ain't broke...
