Motorcycle Repair: over heated vfr 400, coolant system, head gasket

Question
QUESTION: hi have a bit of a problem but not to big i hope  went to work all good then my vfr  started over heating i live in thailand so very hot here temp in the red stopped waited a bit then continued got to work then went home tried to start bike next day no joy ive noticed that there is water coming out of the joint between two sections of the exhaust im guessing that the head gasket is broken due to the overhaeting but not 100% certain confirm please also if i change the head gasket due to the enginine being a v do ineed to change both head gaskets and are there any other things i should look for and also where to atart with the coolant system dont want it to over heat again

sorry i know its a lot to answer
any advice you can give is much appreciated
thanks steve

ANSWER: Stephen, before pulling the engine to replace the headgaskets, pressurize the cooling system and make sure the headgasket is actually leaking.  It may be something else.  The thermostat could be bad causing something to leak or it could be a hose or oring leaking.  

If you have to pull the engine, I'd replace both.  Both headgaskets were overheated.  Check or replace the thermostat too.

Regards
Rich

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi rich thanks for your reply to my last question very helpful it turns out it was the head gasket when i took the head off water poured out all over the floor  and i have replaced both put the head back on and yes everything is how it should be but still wont start ive tried everything i can think of but to no avail i have noticed a kind of popping noise coming from the rear head near where the exhaust exits never heard it before any ideas really need some help on this . thanks steve

Answer
Based on you're description it sounds like maybe the cam timing may be off a tooth or two.  Depending on what year tha bike is, it may have a unique cam timing procedure.  I don't have a manual on that bike so I can't say for sure but I know the Vs are more difficult than the typical Honda.

A quick compression check will give you an indication of what's going on.

Regards
Rich