Hello all, I'm new here. My 98 VTR with 32,000 miles lost tension on the rear CCT, started making nasty noise and running poorly. I quickly bought a pair of APE CCT's and went to install them. Rear cams were out of phase by several teeth, visible clearance under cam lobes, looks like I wiped out the valve train on the rear cylinder. Of course I read the million CCT threads AFTER ruining the motor, ha ha.

Anyway, I'm in deep now, looks like carbs and exhaust need to come off.
My question is, can I get the rear cylinder head off with the motor in? If so, this won't be too bad. Looking things over it looks like a real bitch to pull the motor.

Thanks in advance,

Tom

 

I think you can pull the head without removing the motor (not 100% sure though) and because it is the rear (the front usually is the one to go) you should be able to find a replacement head on Ebay, and that may end up cheaper than rebuilding the one you have.

Also do put in the apes!

 

Ok I'm gonna bite the bullet (or avoid the bullet) and order apes tomorrow.

 

There is no issue removing either of the heads while the motor is still in the bike.

 

good to know for me as well, thannks

 

Here ya go..... no problems at all

 

Thanks for the responses and advice, I pulled the rear cylinder head and sure enough all 4 valves are bent, piston is scarred but definitely usable.
I just got a great deal on a low mileage cylinder head, this bike will be back up and running soon.

I would definitely recommend changing the CCT's for peace of mind. Mine failed with no warning and ruined the head. The APE's look like a good alternative to the OEM pieces, quite a bit cheaper too.

Have a good one,

Tom