I've never used them so can't be much help, but I've tried pattern gaskets and they are terrible Try and stick with Yamaha gaskets, at least for the head gasket anyways, think they're about £9 last time I bought one
I also believe that genuine gaskets are the only way. However, I've just sent a barrel away to PJ Motorcycle Engineers for a rebore. I chose them bacause their website made it sound like they knew what they were talking about (pjme.co.uk) when it comes to rebores. They offer 2 gasket sets - a cheap Taiwan set and the Athena. This is how they describe the Athena set:
This Kit Is Made In Italy By Athena And Is A Better Quality One Than The Budget One We Sell Which Is Made In Taiwan. "Why is it better i hear you say" Well the gaskets are made from the same materiel & in the same factory as the original yamaha ones, the gasket material is better than the Taiwanese one and fits much nicer.
When I spoke to them they didnt know of anyone who had had a problem with the Athena head gasket. Of course as they sell them they are going to be biased. However, this forum is probably the only place where opinions are true!
