BarryG Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 First off let me point out that I'm not doing this myself nor do I want to learn how. I suck as a mechanic and am happy not to fuck up my bike with the harder stuff. So at 28K mi the same shop/mechanic I've used for 6yrs doing the following to my '98 XX: flush fluids new brake pads front/rear new fork oil (been 3.5 yrs) check air filter. check CCT-install APE possibly Bike is running great. So wondering if I need to add the hefty expense of valve clearance check? I know it's good insurance but isn't it very rare for Bird's to need adjustment? I don't think my bike has ever had a valve clearance check either. Thanks for any feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 I can't in all conscience counsel you to ignore a scheduled maintenance. I can tell you that I myself sure wouldn't bother with it, and my decision would not be based on sloth or miserly disposition, but upon the rare number of times I've seen XX valves in need of adjustment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobZ Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 If the valves are out of adjustment, are there any tell-tale signs such as running rough, noises, etc.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 Rougher running is about it until they are way out of adjustment and the exhaust starts to pop...then its too late and you've probably burned a valve. That's why its a scheduled maintenance rather than a fix it when needed sort of thing. They wear gradually and changes in performance don't seem that noticeable. If they're way loose there's usually an audible ticking consistent with a rotating engine part, but they don't wear loose, they wear tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryG Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 thanks for replies. Bike is running really smooth as far as I can tell. I just figured I'd wait till 35 or 40K miles. I definitely don't baby it though. I ride it fairly hard....like you're supposed to if that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spicholy Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 Just had mine checked at 57,xxx miles. Still in spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadOx Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Add new brake and clutch fluid to your maint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02XXCA Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Checked my 02 at 75k and all were within spec, 1 exhaust was a little tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartonmd Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I didn't touch mine until 45k, and about 1/2 of them were .001 out of spec on the tight side... About perfect. as far as timing goes... Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Para045 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I got mine checked at ~92000km's and they hadn't been checked while I've had my bike from ~32000km's and all were within spec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanix Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 54K miles before I killed mine. Bike was "running great!" If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Continue to drive until smile fades from face, then take it in to make smile return. (I killed mine by crashing.. it was fine until parts were scattered across a mountainside." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.