Head swap?

[anticoriolis]

Hey guys, anyone done a head swap before? Can you do it with the motor in the bike to save time, or do you have to pull it?

Thanks!

A

[leftfieldhero]

I did a head swap with motor in. Mine is an 04'. but first you have to remove the gas tank, air box, and carbs, I also took the cover that the clutch cable leads to and moved it out side of the frame. Take off the chain tensioner. Take the cams out. Don't worry if the cam chain falls you can use some needle nose to get it back although it can be slippery. I suggest you get a torque wrench I picked up a decent one at local automotive store for 45 dollars. It's a tight fit to get it in between the frame but it can be done.  Be careful of the journer bolts I've had one snap before  and I was using the recommended torque using a torque wrench! Careful to get the timing right.

I swapped them but now I'm having trouble with it even starting so...swap at your own risk i suppose. But it's possible. So sayeth the suzuki gs service manual. hope that helps.