Motorcycle Repair: CBX 1000, rocker cover gasket, rtv sealant

Question
Hi Jan,
I've got a small oil leak coming from my top rocker cover gasket. I've tried nipping up the bolts on top but its still leaking. I was wondering if it's an engine out job to replace the top engine cover gasket and what brand of gasket you'd recommend?
Cheers Jan!!!

Answer
These leaks are caused by two things, and nipping the bolts up typically will NOT help as they have a shoulder and nipping them can strip the threads in the cam carriers...  Firstly the gasket itself gets flattened and old and hard, and doesn't seal anymore.  If that's the case then the only solution is that gasket has to be replaced.  If the gasket is still pliable and feels good, then it could simply be the grommets on the bolts that hold the valve cover down.  These get flattened too, and as a result they don't clamp the cover down properly anymore.  These grommets are available for 1980 and newer bikes, which have the larger grommets and washers, but can also be obtained for the 1979 bikes, which have smaller grommets and washers.  The valve cover can be removed without tilting the motor forward, it is a little tricky but can be done when everything is routed properly above the engine.  I use a little (LITTLE) sticky RTV sealant on the valve cover to keep the gasket in place as it is lowered down.  I only use Honda parts for the gasket, the grommets and washers I normally source on ebay and may be aftermarket.  Changing the grommets is easy, I normally slice the old ones off with a blade, and push the new ones on with a deep socket and a vice.  Good luck,  Jan