82 Yamaha Maxim XJ650 YICS - Head Swap

Hi,

I am attempting a head swap without removing the engine. The manual says it can be done, but as I try to lift the head from the cylinder block, the front of the head hits the frame where the horn and bracket would be. It does not seem possible to remove while the engine is in the frame.

Has anyone successfully removed the head with it still in the frame? Did you have to remove the studs coming from the cylinder block? Or am I SOL and need to remove the whole motor?

Any insight is greatly appreciated

 

I don't have a 650 but are you able to raise the rear of the head slightly to clear the frame? Had another look at your photograph. Tilting the head probably won't work due to the engine studs.

 

Thanks for the reply. And Yeah I tried angling it slightly to clear the frame, but I still need to lift the head about an inch to clear the studs