Valve cover removal

[Peterwh]

Does anyone know a way of removing the valve cover from a SOHC without pulling the engine?  From memory, I think not but I just wanted to check as I have a very slight weep from the joint faces.

[TOOLS1]

I know a lot of people cut the two tubes off that go over the engine Does not seem to hurt the bike any. I have even seen a kit to make the tubes removable.
TOOLS

[Re-run]

The A you can but the rest of the sohc you can't. I have seen the frame kits too and I would like to get one  but I got other things to fix first.

[dave Esch]

I tried everything (just finished doing a rebuild) and I can assure you that without cutting, that cover will not come off with the engine in. Luckily, it wasn't a difficult pull. Just don't drink while you do it.

[ferroussphinx]

yea      if you do cut those tubes  you can get to it no problem

my bike has those tubes cut and there is no problem at all  

[mwiese750]

So you cut the frame above the valve cover so you can do complete cylinder work without removing the entire engine - did you retro fit with frame kit? My question is; is it really worth the fab work for a one time tear down of the top end?

[TOOLS1]

Just depends on how ambitious you are, or how many strong friends you have at your disposal.
TOOLS

[Re-run]

If you don't want to cut the frame, I have heard of people making a bracket out of bar stock, square tubing would work too, and shape it kinda like a coat hanger missing 1 side. So, you have a long straight piece that then comes up a few inches, then back in to about the middle of the bar, at an angle. Then straight up. Think of an upside-down question mark without curves.

The long part attaches to the engine, the side piece is to clear the frame and then it cuts back to the middle to maintain engine level while you slide the engine out. To the right seems to be the best way.