Valve Timing

[VirginiaJim]

I am happy  we're on page 2.

[martin_14]

not on my browser. It's still page 1

[VirginiaJim]

Feel free to use the dancing banana when it goes to two.

[stevewfl]

All, 2009 has 38k miles and I have noticed valve knocking upon start up. Had the valve timing inspected by dealership in Panama City, FL less than 1200 miles ago. Mechanic stated no adjustment was needed. Prior to that the timing had not been adjusted. I now find it hard to believe. Recommendations? I might see if I can fight through it until I get back to Texas next March. A lot of riding to do in between though. Gracias!

did the dealer mechanic really check them?  did you watch him?

[stevewfl]

don't mind me...I trust a 'possum named Veronica more than a dealership 

[Daytona_Mike]

did the dealer mechanic really check them?  did you watch him?

I would have requested a Shim Map to be filled out AND to look at that Shim Map before putting the bike back together.
I bet the gaps were within spec but all on the tight side.
If your paying someone to go in there and adjust the valves, adjust them to the max spec and to not  say:" Yup, looks good."

[PH14]

don't mind me...I trust a 'possum named Veronica more than a dealership 

Hold on, hold on! That is an AirHawk on that there "comfortable" Kawasaki Touring seat! Now, is it really comfortable for long distances, or have you even tried it on a long ride without the AirHawk? 

[sailor_chic]

I asked the same question in a pm. He said a airhawk makes any good seat better, especially on  the 500 + mile days.
I would love to test ride one of those seats, minus the airhawk.

[Afm252]

Thank you for the info. Chain makes sense, and you have been around...
I am out of my home turf here in FL so trust has to be gained.

[Racer Boy]

My 2008 w/32K makes the same terrible noise at startup. It does sound exactly like a cam chain rattling around for about half a second, so I don't worry about it.

[PH14]

I asked the same question in a pm. He said a airhawk makes any good seat better, especially on  the 500 + mile days.
I would love to test ride one of those seats, minus the airhawk.

I know, but I never wanted to sped money on a aftermarket seat, only to need to spend more money to slap an AirHawk onto it in order to make it comfortable. Most of my long distance riding involves 750+ mile days so I like to be comfortable too, but I would hope an aftermarket seat wouldn't require the use of an AirHawk. I have a Sargent and a Corbin and I can do 800 miles on either one. I have some issues but I would rather the manufacturer of the seat make a comfortable seat than have to add something to it.

AirHawks are great though. I was just giving Steve a hard time.

[B.D.F.]

OFFTOPIC:

Yep, I have not found anything (saddle, saddle cover, saddle pad) that rivals an AirHawk. There really is not any magic involved, it is just a simple fact that the air- filled cells can conform to any shape and spread out the support- which is exactly what they claim, their cushions eliminate 'hot spots' of pressure. And the shape of our.... er, butts, varies with clothing, even something like a wallet in a back pocket (for example: you are riding your new BMW home and your wallet is much, much thinner than it used to be.... an AirHawk will compensate automatically).

AirHawks are expensive as saddle cushions go, and they are not attractive IMO but they are one of the most functional parts of or on my bike. And I know I cannot spend more than an hour or a bit less riding on a Corbin without significant discomfort; I learned this lesson all over again once when my AirHawk sprung a leak while I was four hours from home :-(   On long trips, I carry a spare AirHawk (seriously) because I know I could could not finish the ride without it.

Brian

I asked the same question in a pm. He said a airhawk makes any good seat better, especially on  the 500 + mile days.
I would love to test ride one of those seats, minus the airhawk.

[PH14]

OFFTOPIC:

Yep, I have not found anything (saddle, saddle cover, saddle pad) that rivals an AirHawk. There really is not any magic involved, it is just a simple fact that the air- filled cells can conform to any shape and spread out the support- which is exactly what they claim, their cushions eliminate 'hot spots' of pressure. And the shape of our.... er, butts, varies with clothing, even something like a wallet in a back pocket (for example: you are riding your new BMW home and your wallet is much, much thinner than it used to be.... an AirHawk will compensate automatically).

AirHawks are expensive as saddle cushions go, and they are not attractive IMO but they are one of the most functional parts of or on my bike. And I know I cannot spend more than an hour or a bit less riding on a Corbin without significant discomfort; I learned this lesson all over again once when my AirHawk sprung a leak while I was four hours from home :-(   On long trips, I carry a spare AirHawk (seriously) because I know I could could not finish the ride without it.

Brian

I agree with all you say Brain. AirHawks do a great job. The stock Corbin is almost perfect for one too, with its big dish.

[datsaxman@hotmail.com]

OP, drop $50-$60 and get the manual chain tensioner.  And put premium gas in the thing.  Always.

It will be a whole lot quieter.  A tank of lousy 87 octane in the middle of BFE (which is in West Texas apparently) reinforced the second point.