Thanks for everyone's advice in my previous topic about the valve cover for my bike. Like I posted there, it was the cylinder head that was damaged.
I've decided to take this as an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of my bike and with the help of a mechanic friend we are replacing the entire cylinder head. we trailered the bike to his garage and I was over there yesterday and we took off everything to get to the cylinder head. i have to say, it was learning experience and it certainly wasn't easy. There was some gentle "tapping" with a rubber mallet. Really, how gentle can one be with a mallet?? Fortunately he's got all the tools needed, in fact even I envy his garage and tool selection.
We also pulled the entire exhaust off and the oil pan. There was quite a bit of metal bits in the bottom of the pan. I need to pick up a few new little parts and we are also going to replace all the brake lines with steel braided lines. I'm taking off the chain oiler because I don't really need or want it. I think it's great for long distance riding but my short trips around the city, rather useless and I'm a bit of a clean freak so having oil flung off onto the bike constantly annoys me.
Again, thanks for everyone's help and keep your fingers crossed for a smooth fix!!
Deanna