Well, for starters, look up the link to the workshop manual in the Hurricane main page.
It will involve removing the entire head with valves and disassembling the cams to clear the timing chain, all of which is in the manual. It's not rocket science, but if you have someone who's a bike mechanic and is familiar with twin overhead cams and 16 valves it will just take time. I'm not sure if it can be done with the engine in situ, but the manual will tell you................not that the manual knows everything - it says you have to remove the engine to do the camchain - NOT SO - we do it in about 5 hours with a split link chain, and replacing the starter damper - wrong again.
It is a good guide for the home mechanic though (we just cheat, because we know how) hehe.
HenryM has a world of experience as he's just rebuilt his complete engine successfully.
I'd suggest whatever else you do, have the head checked for warping and buy a good set of gaskets..........................and borrow or buy a quality torque wrench.
Best of luck - we can't be there with you but I'm sure we're only as far away as your keyboard......

It may be a cheaper alternative to buy a secondhand engine that's running well................especially if the old one has to come out. Probably pick one up for around $500 at a guess.
I'm guessing you're in the US so this may help you
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...BR1000F+engine

 

+1 on what was already said about the head gasket.

 

Hey Bob,
well well, you're in lil old England. Weston SM too. Nice.
Yes, head gasket. It can be changed with the engine still in the frame as the learned Shadow suggests. Even if you've never worked on the bike much before it won't take you more than a day to achieve. I'm sure your nephew will concur.
Here's the link to the Wemoto site. The link is for an F-L but you can find your own model from the search bar at the top of the page. What model do you have?
They have almost everything you could need for her and very reasonable prices too.

http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/Honda/CBR_1000_FL/90/

I have no idea how reliable pattern gaskets would be. I've always used genuine.
Do consider giving the head a thorough overhaul while you're doing the gasket. Again, I'm sure your nephew will be the right man for the job. Lap the valves in and check the guides are in good nick. Change the valve stem seals (expensive) and you'll be back on the road with a new lease of life.
Even if you spend a whole weekend on this project it will be well worth while, and you're bound to find a few other things that you'll need to do at the same time, or at least add to the list.
Good luck with the work.
Let us know how you get on. If you need any more info..... there's always the bat phone!

 

Or if you decide to go with the engine swap, there's one just come up on e-bay, here's a link to the add :-

honda cbr1000f engine | eBay UK

It may be worth considering.

 

Yes, I saw that engine today on eBay and I am tempted. I expect it will go up a bit before the six days are up.

Weston super Mare is not that nice, unfortunately.. It used to be! Where are all you people?

I have decided that I'm going to fix mine or die in the attempt! The gasket will be ordered when I get paid. (Poverty stricken, as usual!)
Some heavy duty head scratching, page turning and stressing coming up then.

Thank to everyone for their help so far and I'll be in touch.

Bob (Not my real name)

 

I'm in Brighton Bob and Henry is in Kent, there's quite a few UK members in our little Hurricane section.

BTW Hawkwind isn't my real name either

 

Hi bob i dont know what year your bike is but Harry The Hamster put an 87 engine in his 91 & had to move the coolant pipes & possibly a couple of other mods?

The engine Hawk pointed out is an 87.