alright, let the flaming begin... When i recently re-assembled my bike instead of purchasing new gaskets i CHOSE to use the spray gasket. It seems the stock gasket is just a single layer of steel covered in some type of sealant. One layer of steel will compress little to none as compared to a MLS (multi layer steel) gasket. I could have bought new gaskets, that is beyond the point. I wanted to have a bike running for a little as possible. So i cleaned the stock gaskets with acetone and a nylon brush and used two heavy coats on them. Worse case scenario if it pops a gasket it leaks oil or loses compression. no oil and coolant to mix and destroy the bottom end. So i figured why not. About 200 miles later all is well. I'll keep this thread updated with mileage counts along the way.

yes PLEASE do!
seriously.
I asked about doing that weeks or a month or two ago.

I am sick of taking the top part of my engine off already so I didnt "test" that.
I simply ordered 2 lower cylinder gaskets that I needed. (one extra)

if it actually works, I could have been already riding.

but its all good.

I still want to know if its optional.

I have had zero problems thus far. I check it daily. I've had good experience using it on metal gaskets. it's not bad to change either gasket out if one fails, and if any should fail I think the head gasket would be the one. It's under pressure (haha)

which gasket was it btw?
upper or lower one on the cylinders?

I had bad luck with one lower gasket that leaked a Ton.

and was it that copper gasket spray or whatever its called that is used on this site?
http://beergarage.com/GSGasket.aspx

thats what initially got me thinking to use it, but it was never updated on there if it worked good or not.
or how long

(edit)
UGH not fair!!!!
I would honestly go out and try this tomorrow if my order doesnt arrive at the dealer.
except I have other engine gaskets coming as well, so I cant     
so... I cant 

I used it on both base and head gasket. My motor had a spun rod bearing when I got it so I had to put a new (used) crank in it and a new rod. neither have leaked thus far. And yes, same stuff. Permatex copper spray-a-gasket.

good to know!
but yea, 200 miles on it... thats enough of a testing for me to try it if I didnt have other parts coming for the engine too 

good thing I still have all my old gaskets too (just incase)

(edit)
just did some searching on info for the stuff.
came back rather positive on it.

wish I would have recalled to do that before I ordered everything.
would have just went this route and been riding already!

You can now add it to your arsenal of mental info lol.

Curious to hear how this goes as well.  Once the other issues are ironed out on my GS, I'm going to have to replace the base, head, and cam chain tensioner gaskets.  I'll likely buy an ebay gasket set and use the permatex copper spray as well for good measure.

New gaskets already have a coating on them, I probably would not combine the two. I cleaned all traces of old sealant off before spraying them.

Interesting stuff,....I bought a can of it awhile back to have just in case.  I hate having to go get, or order stuff when I need it.

I hate waiting on parts and leaving something in pieces. I'll be riding to daytona beach tomorrow for bike week, about 1.5 hour ride. We'll see how she holds up

200 miles clocked today, daytona was a friggin blast! The bike performed flawless all day today! from cruising through town to flogging in the twisties it took it all and asked for more. copper spray gasket +1, epic failure 0.... couldn't be happier with my bike, first real ride i've been able to take it on.

nice!!!

Yeah I stopped and bought a can today.
Gaskets STILL didnt friggin arrive.
so if they do not tomorrow...
then respraying my old gasket after cleaning it up I shall be!

Another 200 or so miles, bike is still right as rain. No oil leaks from base or head gasket. My confidence has gone up on my crank install and I've really been wringing this bike out, its performing flawlessly.

I'm fairly convinced the bike will live. Copper spray-a-gasket for the cheap win lol. I've put close to 1000 miles on the bike now and it's still performing flawlessly. When i order my valve seals i think i'll pull the head, clean up the original twice used gasket and spray it again for a third time.