Former 919er
| View Poll Results: At my first valve clearance adjustment, I: | |||
| Made no adjustment. All were within spec. |
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9 | 23.68% |
| Made minor adjustment, even though still within spec. |
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1 | 2.63% |
| Made adjustment. One was out of spec. |
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1 | 2.63% |
| Made adjustment. More than one was out. |
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2 | 5.26% |
| Valve clearance check? What's that? |
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25 | 65.79% |
| Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll | |||
| Page 1 of 2 | 1 | 2 |
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First Valve Clearance Check
I'm coming up on my first valve clearance inspection and I'm seriously wondering if I need to bother since it appears that typically no adjustment is needed.
Did you have to make any adjustments on your first check? I'm going to put up a poll.
Did you have to make any adjustments on your first check? I'm going to put up a poll.
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MSF blacksheep
Join Date: May 2011
Location: C-U, IL
Posts: 721
Rep Power: 1
checked mine at 25k and didnt need anything... now im at 51k and gonna check this winter
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1
It's one of those peace of mind things.
I've never heard of anyone checking at 16K and having to adjust.
There's a great writeup on this forum on how to check them yourself.
You could change the plugs since it will be around that time and check the valves while under the tank just for the sake of checking them.
I've never heard of anyone checking at 16K and having to adjust.
There's a great writeup on this forum on how to check them yourself.
You could change the plugs since it will be around that time and check the valves while under the tank just for the sake of checking them.
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Former 919er
I like tinkering and I'm likely going to change the plugs, so I will likely do the check anyway.
My hesitation is that in order to avoid potential downtime I would order a shim kit and I don't really want to spend $80 right now if I don't need to.
My hesitation is that in order to avoid potential downtime I would order a shim kit and I don't really want to spend $80 right now if I don't need to.
The chill Moderator
Join Date: May 2010
Location: COS:CO
Posts: 3,304
Rep Power: 1
Aren't you coming up on the winter? So wouldn't down time not be a problem? Where are you going to get a shim kit at?
Never Trade the Thrills of Living for the Security of Existence.
Former 919er
Quote:
Originally Posted by 07919Dave
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Aren't you coming up on the winter? So wouldn't down time not be a problem? Where are you going to get a shim kit at?
My garage isn't heated, so the bike get's winterized and under a cover and I don't see it again until late March.
I probably won't roll over 16k until the spring unless we get a great fall. I guess I'm planning ahead.
For shims, I was just considering a kit like this one:
HONDA CB919 HOT CAM CAMS VALVE SHIM KIT CB 919 02-04 | eBay
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1
While I know its a risk of having more down time. I highly doubt you'll need to adjust anything. So do you really need the shims........
MSF blacksheep
Join Date: May 2011
Location: C-U, IL
Posts: 721
Rep Power: 1
you wont need shims...
Former 919er
OK, if I get downtime in the spring after a long, depressing, winter hibernation then I will be blaming you two, lol.
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1
At the risk of learning something new today.
I would assume there would be a standard shim set that works with most engines. Do you really need to buy different shims for different bikes? Any reason someone would buy 919 shims like what is in that ebay listing?
I would assume there would be a standard shim set that works with most engines. Do you really need to buy different shims for different bikes? Any reason someone would buy 919 shims like what is in that ebay listing?
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by Ottawa919
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OK, if I get downtime in the spring after a long, depressing, winter hibernation then I will be blaming you two, lol.
The chill Moderator
Join Date: May 2010
Location: COS:CO
Posts: 3,304
Rep Power: 1
Just do it on the first day you take it out of it hibernation. That way it's really like it under it for another day. I am sure you can wake up in the morning spend a few hours with it and then go ride when you are done. No extra downtime needed.
Never Trade the Thrills of Living for the Security of Existence.
The chill Moderator
Join Date: May 2010
Location: COS:CO
Posts: 3,304
Rep Power: 1
Insert Toast here trying to make you buy his for $4500.
Never Trade the Thrills of Living for the Security of Existence.
Former 919er
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffie7
View Post
At the risk of learning something new today.
I would assume there would be a standard shim set that works with most engines. Do you really need to buy different shims for different bikes? Any reason someone would buy 919 shims like what is in that ebay listing?
I would assume there would be a standard shim set that works with most engines. Do you really need to buy different shims for different bikes? Any reason someone would buy 919 shims like what is in that ebay listing?
I never looked into whether my dealer sells shims individually. If so, that may be a cheaper option.
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by Ottawa919
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Good question. The way I looked at it is that I will have the bike for a long time (probably) and $80 is pretty reasonable when you think of how much coin I save doing the checks myself versus at a shop.
I never looked into whether my dealer sells shims individually. If so, that may be a cheaper option.
I never looked into whether my dealer sells shims individually. If so, that may be a cheaper option.
Dealerships might sell the shims but I bet they're the same as crush washers. Meaning, 3000% markup.
But if you just need one.... $5 is a lot better then $80 IF its even needed.
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by 07919Dave
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Insert Toast here trying to make you buy his for $4500.
dark or light, how do you like your toast?
Hippie Tinkerer
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 492
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by Ottawa919
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I never looked into whether my dealer sells shims individually. If so, that may be a cheaper option.
NWTB Non Stinky 919
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,503
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by mntnceguy
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Usually, if you needed a shim, just take the one you have to the dealer, and they will just exchange it for the one you need, for free. So go ahead and do you checks, if you find you are in need of a different thickness shim, just go exchange it, talk to one of the techs in the back, not the sales guys...
Rei
Wasn't there a WT Community Shim kit that used to be passed around? Maybe one of the old timers can chime in, but I'd swear there was a communal one. Not that it'll need shimmed anyway.
"Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it" ~ Ayn Rand
Let's go!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sussex Couty NJ
Posts: 7,647
Rep Power: 1
Get one of these:
Mr. Heater - America's Most Popular Portable Heaters
Light it and walk away for 20 min., I can work in a t shirt in my unheated garage during the winter.
Mr. Heater - America's Most Popular Portable Heaters
Light it and walk away for 20 min., I can work in a t shirt in my unheated garage during the winter.
Discen
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: australia
Posts: 283
Rep Power: 1
I am up to 45000 km and havent checked yet, never heard of a honda (full on sports excepted) that needs them early on, if i had a kwaka..maybe.
will check them next service though
will check them next service though
I see this is a perfect time to offer you my 919...because you know...I wouldn't mind letting her go. 
Diecut Vinyl Wrist Twisters Decals: http://mkt.com/toasttogo
Honda 919
Mine needed a slight adjustment on #2, 3 intake at the 32K check. At 16K none were out of spec, but a couple were close. The service manual has a really good write-up on how to do the checks. A second set of hands helps especially when removing and re-installing the valve cover. Change out the coolant and the plugs at the same time.
Discen
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: australia
Posts: 283
Rep Power: 1
best get to mine then
Le So Cal Troll
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: So Cal
Posts: 5,766
Rep Power: 1
commin up on 16k mi figured i would show the 919 some love and do a valve check soon... probably before my next oil change. so ill report back then... it will be intresting, i am super hard on my 919 so we shall see
I didn't bother with the check when I passed 16k. Engine's running great and sound. Coming up on 20k now...hopefully will sell the bike before I invest in a check. I don't think it would need anything though...I try to baby the bike and only have fun when it's fully warmed (optimal).
No idea if that helps prolong the valve adjustment interval...haha.
No idea if that helps prolong the valve adjustment interval...haha.
Diecut Vinyl Wrist Twisters Decals: http://mkt.com/toasttogo
Le So Cal Troll
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: So Cal
Posts: 5,766
Rep Power: 1
see the problem with going by hearing and valves, is that ya you can hear loose valves, which usually arnt a problem... its the tight valves that make no extra noise that will cause you issues.
Let's go!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sussex Couty NJ
Posts: 7,647
Rep Power: 1
^^Has anyone ever heard of valve clearances getting tighter over time? Assuming they were in spec at production.
You've got a point...maybe my valves are off...maybe they're not. I guess I'll end up being ignorant of the situation since I'm still getting really good gas mileage (avg. 47mpg)
Diecut Vinyl Wrist Twisters Decals: http://mkt.com/toasttogo
Burn-em Upus Asphaltus
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 3,802
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by rmb
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^^Has anyone ever heard of valve clearances getting tighter over time? Assuming they were in spec at production.
Spoiler:
Le So Cal Troll
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: So Cal
Posts: 5,766
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by rmb
View Post
^^Has anyone ever heard of valve clearances getting tighter over time? Assuming they were in spec at production.
and two, that slamming shut action actually stretches the valve stem / cups the valve head, which makes for a longer valve as well.
You will see alot of this happen in the race 4stroke dirbikes (read crf250 450 yz250f 450 etc etc) simply due to the fact those motors are SO high strung as far as rpms and hp with VERY aggressive cam profiles etc.
You will also see alot of stories back in the early days of the race 4 stroke dirt bikes (circa 03-04) of bikes completly zeroing out the valve adjustment... often due to a dumb rider who was ust to riding two strokes, and just rode right on the revlimiter of the 4stroke dirbike.
Let's go!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sussex Couty NJ
Posts: 7,647
Rep Power: 1
^2^ Thanks, I'd never head of that before, learned something new today!
The Cripple
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 8,759
Rep Power: 1
valves getting tighter are well known with kawi ninja 250s as well (the older models not the newer ones as i dont know about the newer ones) so yes it happens all the time as nd4spd stated.
i will say though that this poll is missing an option.... "valve check? what valve check?! i'm at xx,xxx miles should i do a valve check?!\
im at 21k right now and still havent done a valve check, but i plan to at the beginning of next year.
i will say though that this poll is missing an option.... "valve check? what valve check?! i'm at xx,xxx miles should i do a valve check?!\
im at 21k right now and still havent done a valve check, but i plan to at the beginning of next year.
Cornicen
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 566
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by rmb
View Post
Get one of these:
Mr. Heater - America's Most Popular Portable Heaters
Light it and walk away for 20 min., I can work in a t shirt in my unheated garage during the winter.
Mr. Heater - America's Most Popular Portable Heaters
Light it and walk away for 20 min., I can work in a t shirt in my unheated garage during the winter.
But I wouldn't believe it'd be a big deal, used heaters like that all the time to heat garages and shops in the winter.
2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE (Sold)
2003 Honda 919
Let's go!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sussex Couty NJ
Posts: 7,647
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by undercover919
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"Outdoor use only"
But I wouldn't believe it'd be a big deal, used heaters like that all the time to heat garages and shops in the winter.
But I wouldn't believe it'd be a big deal, used heaters like that all the time to heat garages and shops in the winter.
Former 919er
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pvster
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i will say though that this poll is missing an option.... "valve check? what valve check?! i'm at xx,xxx miles should i do a valve check?!\
Tirone
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 77
Rep Power: 1 Quote:
Originally Posted by mntnceguy
View Post
Usually, if you needed a shim, just take the one you have to the dealer, and they will just exchange it for the one you need, for free. So go ahead and do you checks, if you find you are in need of a different thickness shim, just go exchange it, talk to one of the techs in the back, not the sales guys...
Although I only have 7500 on my '07, I do have an '06 KLR650 that calls for valve checks every 6K...at 6100 miles all four needed a thinner shim ( I doubt the dealer did any "real" check or adjust at the stated first check)...Yes...the valves seat further into the "seat" making less clearance where the cam licks the shim (I could sell that for a pRon line...)
No big deal, pulled the valve cover, used quality feeler gauges, recorded and calculated, took the OEM shims to the local Kawi/BMW dealer (same shims) and swapped for $4 each...back home, stitched her up...three hours total and road her like a Harley on a dirt road..dirty and wet....
When the 9'er comes due for a valve check, I'll use the great advice here and go forward with confidence...looking forward to seeing how well my cams are licking the shims....
Be Prepared!
The Cripple
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 8,759
Rep Power: 1
4 total votes so far for this option, thats awesome 
Former 919er
Unbelievable! There are now more votes for "What's that" than all any other. I guess it says something of the reputation of this bike that many people aren't bothering with first checks, or in Rickards case, the fourth, fifth and sixth check, lol.
Le So Cal Troll
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: So Cal
Posts: 5,766
Rep Power: 1
im only going to be doing it just cus i ride the living PISS out of my 919.... my motto, redline a day keeps the carbon away.
depending on what i find at the 16k check... will determine what i do for the rest of the life of the bike... if everything is spot on ill go to 40k before i check again.
depending on what i find at the 16k check... will determine what i do for the rest of the life of the bike... if everything is spot on ill go to 40k before i check again.
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