Motorcycle Repair: 87 Yamaha Radian yx600, yamaha radian, exhaust gaskets

Question
Hi,
    If you could tell me what might be wrong with my '87 yx-600 and tell me what repairs should cost that would be fantastic.  So I'll explain and if you get the chance to reply I will appreciate it.

    The bike is leaking oil, I know that it is leaking from around the cylinder or head, and also from the exhaust pipe fitting at the cylinder.  If its leaking elsewhere I havnt noticed yet.  I find that I have to change the oil before every 1000 miles from being to dirty and the shifting and power band suffering because of it.  There is a rattle snake sound when the bike is reved up to 2000 rpm.  And, Im not sure but the oil might have a slight fuel oder to it.  I figure ill have to remove the engine and replace gaskets and/or pistons (rings)but im not a mechanic.  If thats the case what would I pay a mechanic fairly say in april or can I (non-mechanic) repair it myself with my repair manuel.  hope to hear from you.  thanks.

Answer
Hi Seth.

Doing a rebuild on an engine is usually best left to the professionals.  However, if you are just trying to change the upper head gaskets and the exhaust gaskets, then it is very simple to do.

If, however you possess the predisposition (and talent) to properly turn a wrench, then you could do the rebuild yourself.  First thing to do is to determine where that rattle is coming from.

It does sound as if you could have a valve timing problem, or a possible piston ring issue.  You could also need a carb rebuild or just a proper cleaning.
 To find out if you are losing compression, test each cylinder with a compresion testor and match what you find against the specs in the manual.

Now if you pay a mechanic to do the work, then you could be paying upwards of 1000 dollars, depending on what all is wrong.  Any decent mechanic will give you an estimate of what the work may run you as well as what may need to be done.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON