Motorcycle Repair: how to properly torque head bolts, head bolts, head gaskets

Question
Mike,

I recently blew a head gasket on XL 1200.  When I took apart the engine I replaced rings, base gaskets and the head gaskets.  I followed the procedure in the HD service manual for installing the head bolts to 12 - 14 ft-lbs of torque, I dialed in 14 ft-lbs to be sure.  Once all of the bolts were toqued to 14 ft-lbs I followed the specified pattern in the manual and turned each bolt another 90 degrees.  After about 400 miles on the bike I started to get oil leaks on the left hand side at the base of each cylinder.  All mating sufaces were faced off and cleaned when assmebled. I decided to take it apart to see if I could find the problem as well as install a new set of base gaskets.  When I dissassembled the motor, only one of the head bolts took any effort to break loose, a couple seemed like they were only a little more than finger tight.  Is there a trick to installing the head bolts that is not mentioned in the service manual?

Thanks,
Mike

Answer
Make sure you put some oil on the threads of the cylinders studs or you will get a false reading. You should be going 7-9 first, then the 12-14 then the 90 degrees. Check your cylinder studs to make sure one is not loose. Since you blew a head gasket again, I wuld replace the head bolts. the threads in one might be streached
Good luck and happy riding
Mike