Head Gasket Torque Settings

I replaced a leaking head gasket on my 85 VT1100 Shadow and the manual calls
for torque of 38-42 lbs.

As the engine has over 80,000 kms, should I torque to the max of 42 lbs or
go less?

 

If it were me, I'd try for the middle of that range. I'd guess that's
what
they have in mind when they specify it.

 

I would try to torque the bolts to 40 foot pounds, hitting the middle
of the range.

I had a blown head gasket on my truck about three years ago, and I
thought it might help to retorque the head, but it didn't, it was blown
between cylinders. It's really scary to put that three foot long
clicker torque wrench and torque to the factory specification plus
another half a turn as the manual specifies.