Valve cover

Hello!
New to the forum but been around bikes all my life. Recently picked up a 1982 kz1000 that needs some work. I found a powder coated valve cover on eBay and ordered APE block off plates from Z1.
Heres the question, can I install the block off plates without installing the reed valves? The reason I ask is I hear it is sometimes difficult to remove the reed valve without damaging them.
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

The whole idea of the block off plates is to disable the air injection system and clean up the plumbing. I don't think it matters if the reed valves are present or not at that point.

I think the reed blocks have to stay, or the block off plates will not seal.

If the injection ports are blocked with grub screws, then is just a matter of aesthetics.

If you don't want to use the reed valves pick up some gasket material and cut yourself a gasket. Should work the same

I'm not sure on the 1000, but some models use a reed cage with an integrated rubber seal. These are the ones that get stuck in place and can break when you remove them. That seal stops air from getting in so it's best to leave the whole thing in place.

But if you have them out, then all you need to do is make a gasket, like Kz-recruit said, to seal the reed cover to the valve cover. I would cutout a paper gasket, but if the surface is smooth, a little RTV might get you by. The air-system just goes into the exhaust so you don't have to worry about RTV getting into the engine.

Thanks to all for the info!!