EMetz996

Has anyone machined their heads down as little as .010 to increase the compression ratio?

The VTR's are on the low side around 9.6, and .010 to .020 machined off the mating surface would bump it a little. I've done this to large bore ATV's with great success, but never a motorcycle.

RymerC

I'm curious as to whether we could just use a thinner head gasket?

EMetz996

Generally speaking, as of the last 10 years or so I have not seen a head gasket thinner than .020 except on Briggs motors. So going thinner isnt an option today on most engines, but it used to be!

RymerC

is that what the stock gasket is? thanks honda!
looks like milling is the only alternative to pistons... Unless you want to play with cam timing