Motorcycle Repair: virago 1100, blown head gasket, overhead cams

Question
Im considering buying a virago 1100 and the guy says it has a blown head gasket.  Is this a tough fix?  How expensive(ballpark)?  Could that have damaged anything else?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Donnie,

Usually a head gasket will only need to be replaced, and for a novice, I personally wouldnt take the chance, this bike has overhead cams which need to be placed in a exact place when assembly takes place or you can damage the engine. I would charge about 5-6 hours in my shop for labor plus parts ball park..$340-$408, plus gaskets so around $500 total with tax

Hope this helps!

~Mark Panka