Valve lash question

For those of you that have done multiple valve lashes on thier bikes. Do you find that the lash gets tighter or looser with age??

I just did mine @ 32K (2nd time its been done I think) & they were all right @ 6 & 12, except one or two that were @ 5 & one @ 11.

thanks
Bob

 

The valve clearances get tighter as the engine racks up miles. Generally the harder you ride the bike the tighter the valves get. I did mine at 32K and had to adjust 8 valves that were too tight.

 

By how much Joey?? Im trying to gauge how long until the next adjustment.

thanks
Bob

 

Guage how much? Sir, everyone's riding style is different and the valve clearance inspection has to be done every 16K miles. If anything, if they all pass then at least you know for sure it's all within spec but you can find some valves that could be just a little tight, barely passing spec. For those what you can do is go ahead and make a minute adjustment as a preemptive measure seeing is how it's a PITA to take the bike apart.

From this forum I've seen the 5th gens go up to 40K with no valve adjustments but those aren't exactly ridden hard at all. On the other hand, as for me, heheh, well, let's say I can keep up with the liter bikes up in the twisties. I'm sure in the next valve inspection there are gonna be some valves that need to be adjusted.

If you really hate doing valve adjustments and want to avoid the whole hassle I recommend riding like a grandma. Get the bike only up to 7K RPM at most and do easy and gentle takeoffs.

 

I get what your sayin. no worries.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Shoot, if im gonna do that I might as well sell it & buy a Harley. LOL.

thanks again
Bob