Valve Clearance Inspection

[Vellos]

I'm coming up to 15,000 miles and need to get this done. Anyone know if it requires a shop that specializes in engine work or if it's a pretty basic task for any shop? If anyone has good/bad experiences at places with this kind of job let me know.

Thanks in advance.

[Zach929rr]

The best shop is your own. DIY.

It's pretty simple depending on make. Just requires moderate disassembly of the stuff above the cylinder head. Doubt the valves are out of spec at 15k anyway.

[SloBlue]

I just had my valve cover off while installing manual cct's on my bike. While it was off, I got a quick check of my valve clearances. I had 10,500 on the bike and the valves aren't due until 16,000 but they were each a few thousands too tight. Since the valve clearance on my bike involves removing the cams and then removing a cup and replacing shims under the cup in order to set the proper clearance, I just took mine to Bart at Faster Motorsports and said, "Make this perfect!" and he did! So, there's my recomendation. The bike is running great, I didn't have to figure it out, everyone's happy.

[Bueller]

It is a basic service, but rather time consuming so it isn't cheap.

[Vellos]

I think it's in the $300 range, and I was told the proper tools cost that much also. Since I don't own a house with garage or anything like that I'll just get it done somewhere. Thanks guys.

[Zach929rr]

I'll do it for less.

[Bueller]

Proper tools??? Lol
thems some expensive feeler gauges.

[Vellos]

Maybe I was misinformed, I'll look into it...

[Ted]

^lol ...
I checked mine at 16,800 miles in February. Feeler guage costs me about $7.00. I already had my motor out already, but i would think it should be just as easy checking them with the motor on the frame. Its really easy. I suggest you give it a try, and if they are out of spec (which is very unlikely), then you can take it in for the adjustments as that involves a little more work if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

[Matt]

I checked the valves on my 2002 CBR-954 about a year ago. The bike had 16,000 miles on it. It took about 4 hours (I'd never done this before on any bike). No special tools (other than metric feeler gauges) are required. Its time consuming, but not difficult.

All the valves were in spec. Adjusting them would have added several more hours.

[MetaLord 9]

I'm gonna take mine into SuperTune & have them do it. I don't wanna screw anything up on the ninja. Having already removed the valve head cover, space in there is really tight and I spend more time figuring it out & getting in & around a low clearance space than it's worth.

As far as when you get it done, check your owners manual. Every bike is different. Ducati wants it done pretty much every time the bike leaves the driveway. Kawi wanted it done every 12k. Now that I've doubled that amount, I'm ready to pay to take it in.

[Spooph]

Vellos, I think I have a set of feeler gauges for you... Also, on my 250, the interval is every 7,500 I think, but I do them every 10K. I'd offer to help, but not for the next few weeks...