Motorcycle Repair: Checklist for Gasket Change, valve cover gasket, yamaha maxim

Question
Well I learned how to work on cars and then bought a bike so here we are. I have oil leaking from the top of the engine on my 86 Yamaha Maxim XJ700 (I believe the valve cover gasket or head gasket) the problem is there seem to be a lot of gaskets involved (half moon, piston rings, bolt seals ect.) So really what I need is a checklist of parts and procedure before I crack the seal in my parking lot because once I start the job I have to finish in one sitting. Also is the torque of the bolts really important or can I just snug them up? Lastly will I need to grab a tube of silicone and which side of the gasket gets the silicone if necessary? Thanks a million!   I don't mind if this is posted i just couldn't change the post option.

Answer
Hi Evan,

You need to get the service manual. The "parts list" can be found there along with illustrated procedures.

It will be the best $25 investment you make on your MC and will pay for itself with the first repair you perform.

Get a tube of Yamabond, not silicone. Use Yamabond sparingly around the two cam end parts of the rubber gasket.

You can tighten the valve cover without torquing. Remember... too tight is broken, and loose is not tight enough.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively