Charon
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According to my Clymer, the head cover can be removed on SOME, but not ALL, bikes without removing the engine. According to them it depends on the tolerances of the frame as built. They perhaps did not know about the procedure of removing almost all of the engine mount bolts and allowing the engine to tilt forward. They also say the engine must be removed from the frame in order to remove the head, although head removal isn't necessary to repair that particular leak. Looks to me as if that would involve a significant part of the engine removal labor.
Dealerships around here post labor rates of about $65 per hour. The dealership is going to quote the "flat rate" labor from the shop manual when he makes up your estimate. Giving him credit for knowing how to read the manual, 5.5 hours at $65 is $357.50. If shop rates run higher in your area, as they likely do, the price goes up. He will then add the price for whatever gaskets are needed, and whatever hardware the book may say to replace instead of reuse. There will undoubtedly be some charge for "shop materials" such as rags, degreasers, gasket seal, and so on. While $600 seems high, especially for a 12-year-old bike that only cost you $2000, he can probably justify his estimate. Remember his labor and parts cost are not related to the age or cost of your machine.
People on this forum, and others, persist in referring to "stealerships." I suggest a little research into the costs of running a motorcycle dealership before the blanket condemnations. Those motorcycles, and ATVs, and personal watercraft, the helmets and jackets and accessories, the parts in inventory, are costing him money. The building in which he operates costs him money. Keeping the lights on and the air conditioner/heater working costs him money. The people in the building cost him money. The only way he can make that money is to charge for his services. I am not trying to defend all dealerships, but there is more to running a business than meets the eye.
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