valve cover gasket and valve shims

I just got my new 650 SECA running and on the road. I am wanting to check the valve clearances since I can hear them running. My question is as follows: Will I likely need a new valve cover gasket when doing this? I don't really want to have to take the bike off the road while waiting for the gasket if it is needed, but I also don't want to waste 40 dollars if it is not needed.

 

I wasn't fortunate enough to get it off without tearing up the old gasket.

BTW that gasket is only like $20 (got mine from a dealer)or less if you can find one on ebay.

 

I bought mine for $19.00 off of PartsNMore.com ( https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.ph ... ory=engine )

Once I got around to pulling the valve cover off, turns out I could have re-used the old one.

I guess I have a spare if I need...

By the way, they are pretty thick rubber gaskets, unlike the paper / cork ones you see on cars alot. I'd say yours would have to be pretty old and dry rotted to not be able to re-use it.

 

When I pulled my valve coveer off last year I just smeared a little high temp silicone in the groove and on the bottom of the gasket then put the cover back on. No leaks for oer 6k miles so far.