Well, trying to address the coolant leak, I decided to warm the engine through, and re-torque the bolts. This means removing the radiator and thermostat housing to reach the four front bolts and one head bolt respectively. The job was going well, torque wrench in hand, it was the penultimate bolt, that limply twisted and sheared as I tightened it. Typically it appears to have sheared flush with the barrel and will mean head removal!! So....I have ordered a full set of head bolts, but was shocked to find the head gasket is £58.00 from Suzuki!!! hmy:
Pattern gasket it is then!! I'm aware that several RG250 owners claim to use the gasket several times!! We'll see, I'll strip it down and take a look.