Picked up my '09 last December with less than 600 miles. First thing I did besides carb mods was the 600 mile check-up including checking the valves. They didn't need adjustment, but I did struggle to get the valve cover and it's gasket remounted. In that it was dripping oil, I lost the struggle. Took the cover back off and remounted the gasket (which barely fit) with some sealant. No more dripping of oil, but after 100 miles or so a coating of dirt soaked oil was building up. Bought a new gasket, which fit much better and after another 100 miles or so there was no more oil film buildup or leaks.

 

I noticed my 09 was leaking too. I need to order a new gasket an check the valves when I replace it. Glad it worked, how much is a new gasket?

 

No problems on a 2010, mine was perfect at 12000kms.

 

Had to finally get one for my 09 the other day, and I thought I had dodged the bullet.

mine was $33 from oemcycle.com IIRC.

 

yeah they dont seem to like being put back on when you take them off, i have to get a new one too

 

That's probably because you have a 2010.

 

I had weeping half moons on mine, replaced the gasket and they were still weeping a bit. Then I read through the manual and saw your supposed to put gasket sealer around the half moons. Did that and no more leaks.

Gasket was $26 from partzilla (make sure you login to get around the kawi price disclaimers)

 

I ordered a gasket for my 09. I hear many 09 owners have the same issue with gaskets that get stiff and are a pain to get back on after removal. When I did the BB, I felt the gasket was the most difficult part of the whole install. It would not stay put and leaks quite a bit. I paid $32 from RMATV, should have shopped around.

 

Strange...I have had mine off about 6 times now without any leaks. I use a thin layer of Permatex Ultra Gray RTV on the mating surfaces and it never leaks. Still on the original gasket but I am very careful not to deform the gasket when I remove the cover.

 

Not strange at all yours is a 2012. 09s may have had Malaysian gaskets? My replacement says made in Japan! The 09s had a shrinkage issue, possibly due to poor material quality. My buddy has no issues with his 07. Consider yourself lucky.