In all the posts regarding valve clearances as a maintenance item, I don't recall any valves ever being found to actually be out of spec. One contributor talks about finding a burnt valve and this is what Im talking about when I say abuse. A burnt valve would display obvious symptoms and that is not what we are discussing here. Another contributor Bud Callaghan talks about the clearances being on the low (tight) side. What are you talking about? If the clearance is within spec it's fine. Moving the clearances to the middle of the range will do absolutely nothing except make you sleep better at night. As a matter of fact increasing the clearance decreases the valve lift, not something I would want to do. You, my friend, give the worst possible kind of advice and that is unsubstantiated and TOTAL OVERKILL. The point is, that if you are worried about engine problems in a C14 you are just being paranoid. This engine is bulletproof, unless you totally abuse the sh... out of it. And even that is hard to do with the rev limiter and quality of construction. Of all the motorcycles I have owned this is by far the most dependable. And believe me I am a maintenance freak. However, too many shade tree mechanics have listened to advice form owners like Callaghan, who may actually be able to accomplish this task competently, and attempted to service the valve train themselves by replacing shims with disastrous results. I have seen charts and programs and videos and heard all the comments. You are seriously risking total and catastrophic engine failure if you, or your so called qualified Kawasaki mechanic, makes one small mistake. Why would you rather take that risk over the infinitesimally small risk, and you would decide based on ridiculous and unqualified posts in this and other Concours forums, that the valves were found to be out of spec and require changing? Which by the way requires removing the cams, not something you really want to ever have to do. During the manufacturing process the valve clearances are all checked and double checked by a qualified engine builder. The engine only passes if the valves are found to be IN SPEC. It would be impossible for an engine to slip through this important quality control check and be further assembled. As far as the warranty is concerned. Maintenance done by owner. Period end of story. However, it is your bike. You can listen to the kooks who have nothing better to do then take their engines apart or do the research and see just how many engines are actually found to have valves truly out of spec.
My mother-in-law says that as well....
So how is that working out for ya?
Well, I'm still her son-in-law after 35+ years so I guess ok, Poke.
Personally my experience with shimmed bucket valves would be leave them the f... alone. It is a gimmick for the dealerships to make money. If the valves were in spec when assembled, and unless you have a catastrophic occurrence, like run low on oil or over stress the engine, the likelihood of the valve shims needing switching or replacing are about zero. Some owners will exchange shims to the high side, some to the low side thinking they are doing something constructive. The only thing you are doing is either spending money for no reason at the dealership, or taking on a huge risk if you think you can do it yourself. One mistake, one miscalculation, read a clearance number wrong, engine too hot or too cold, go out of sequence.... the dangers are numerous. I would not even let a Kawasaki mechanic tackle this job. I have 37,000 miles on my '011 and would not even consider going near the valves. I keep hearing of owners finding valves "out of spec". What are you talking about? If the valve clearance is within the described clearances they are fine. Valve seat wear or valve stem stretch is rare unless you totally abuse your motorcycle every ride. I wouldn't even consider changing the spark plugs and they say to do that every 7500 miles. If you get good mileage, easy startups, no miss, no noise why would you even think of doing this kind of maintenance unless you are flush with cash, anal compulsive, or paranoid. Whoever wrote the owners manual is nuts or was intending to build a profit stream for the dealership or to protect themselves on any possible motor warranty claim. My Kawi will go well over 100k before I get into the motor. Change oil and filter, tires, brake pads and ride it. JMHO.
Well, I have just finished my valve adjustment. I have an 2009 C 14 , bought it new. And about 16000 miles on it. I do read this forum everyday, sometimes few times actually. I was going to wait to check my valves for at least untill 25 to 30 thousand miles. But, at the end of the riding season, I have noticed valve cover gasket leak. So, I have decided to go in with the confedence I have collected from you guys and also from Fred H. Video series. All I wanted to say is a BIG Thank you to all of you. I have not dealt with shim under bucket valve set up before but when I have started to work on it I have felt like I have done this many times. And , pretty much all of my in. and ex. specs were on eather lowest or below. I think I may have bonded to my bike even more now, lol.
Ahmet.
Personally my experience with shimmed bucket valves would be leave them the f... alone. It is a gimmick for the dealerships to make money. If the valves were in spec when assembled, and unless you have a catastrophic occurrence, like run low on oil or over stress the engine, the likelihood of the valve shims needing switching or replacing are about zero. Some owners will exchange shims to the high side, some to the low side thinking they are doing something constructive. The only thing you are doing is either spending money for no reason at the dealership, or taking on a huge risk if you think you can do it yourself. One mistake, one miscalculation, read a clearance number wrong, engine too hot or too cold, go out of sequence.... the dangers are numerous. I would not even let a Kawasaki mechanic tackle this job. I have 37,000 miles on my '011 and would not even consider going near the valves. I keep hearing of owners finding valves "out of spec". What are you talking about? If the valve clearance is within the described clearances they are fine. Valve seat wear or valve stem stretch is rare unless you totally abuse your motorcycle every ride. I wouldn't even consider changing the spark plugs and they say to do that every 7500 miles. If you get good mileage, easy startups, no miss, no noise why would you even think of doing this kind of maintenance unless you are flush with cash, anal compulsive, or paranoid. Whoever wrote the owners manual is nuts or was intending to build a profit stream for the dealership or to protect themselves on any possible motor warranty claim. My Kawi will go well over 100k before I get into the motor. Change oil and filter, tires, brake pads and ride it. JMHO.
you sir are the reason why I will never buy a used motorcycle !
He is just one example, but in my opinion many owners do worry too much over nothing.
you sir are the reason why I will never buy a used motorcycle !
I agree he is just one example.Interesting first posts. Do consider yourself the 1% or is this some of the 99% of which you speak.
I also agree some owners wory too much about seemingly minute things.
And don't even get me started on all the crap that gets posted all over the internet is just that, 99% crap and misinformation, including several posts in this thread.
Interesting first posts. Do consider yourself the 1% or is this some of the 99% of which you speak.
you sir are the reason why I will never buy a used motorcycle !