Well I found out whats wrong with my bike. (Update to last week's post.

TL:DR at bottom. Sorry, it's long.

Update to this post (ya, I know it's only a couple of posts down. Oh well...)

And the answer is?!

(....... drum roll.........)

HEADGASKET

So now the question is how do I fix this for the least amount of money, hopefully not much time, while still ensuring it's done right.

The bike is at Fritz's in the U district. They finally get around to getting into my bike and let me know that after some thermostat checking, coolant flushing and pressure testing I have a blown gasket. The official estimate is coming tomorrow but he said resurfacing, rings, and some other stuff that, due to the shock and horror of it all, I can't really remember. The number he threw out was 8-10 hours labor. So I said so like $700-800?! To which he replied. "Oh probably more than that."

I'd really like to be able to do this myself. I really would. I feel like being a well rounded rider means having some knowledge of your bike and doing most of the wrenching yourself. I don't have the space or know-how though. Only have the basic tools so probably lacking some things there too.

So I come to you more knowledgable people with a couple of questions. Most importantly, how does this guy know the head is warped? That's where a lot of the time and cost is from I imagine. Just changing a head gasket doesn't seem that bad. I've only ever changed spark plugs though but I can follow instructions if I can find them. But if the thing is truly warped then it's probably got to get machined right?

Brings us to question 2. Anyone in the area know someone who likes working on bikes that'd like some extra cash and a dude to hang around/help/learn a bit about motorcycles feel like helping a brother out? The lazy bastard in me wants to just say "Eh, it's only money. And when you get the bike back you can count on it being done right." But that seems a little too lazy. And I'm not made of money.

TL:DR Head gasket is blown. Mechanic says almost $1000ish for the whole works (resurfacing, rings, etc, etc.) Seems steep. Ideas?