Questions on checking/adjusting valves

[VirginiaJim]

Ok, if I mentioned something that displeases anyone with my HELP above, dont jump down my throat.....OK.

Oh, I don't think anyone is going to do that, Phil, are we?

[wills]

Having just checked valve clearance on my 08 @ the 36K service interval, I can say the difficulty is not actual valve train, but the access! Who's bright idea was it to put a frame 5" above! The Tupperware was an easy removal when compared to my CBR. The Connie has been an excellent bike, never a hick-up so far.

[feelergaugephil]

, I can say the difficulty is not actual valve train, but the access! Who's bright idea was it to put a frame 5" above! The Tupperware was an easy removal when compared to my CBR. The Connie has been an excellent bike, never a hick-up so far.
[/quote]

Exactly what I thought when I took the tank off!!!!!   Remember the good ol'e days of the Suzuki GS and Kawasaki Z's, 10 min spark plug changes.......... Now it takes 10 mins pondering how the bloody tank comes off!!!!! lol

[feelergaugephil]

Im doing the valve shims on a Suzuki GSXR 750 right now, I'll take pics and upload here tomorrow, its basically the same set up (upper engine ) as the Connie..

[feelergaugephil]

[C1xRider]

feelergaugephil,

  Not to nit pick, as I don't want to discourage your enthusiasm to offer help and suggestions (or anyone else), but there were a few inaccuracies in the information you provided.
 
The C14 has solid cam gears, so using zip ties to hold the cam chain to the gears doesn't work so well, unless you have something else in mind (please elaborate if so).

The lower cover uses a o-ring, so no gasket worries there.  It appears the factory put some additional sealant (Hylomar perhaps) on that cover too, so one might consider doing the same.

As for removing the fuel tank, it does nothing to help with access to the valves on the C14.  The fuel tank is nowhere near the work area.  Also, the frame above the throttle bodies and valve cover is one piece, completely blocking access from above.

Other than that, great info.  Thanks!

[Pokey]

Sure glad I am not gonna dick around with this.

[VirginiaJim]

Made the same decision AH (After Haroldo).

[C1xRider]

I wouldn't blame you guys at all.  After pulling the plastic and seeing what else had to come off just to get to the valve cover, I can honestly say this is the first job I actually stepped back and questioned if I would have enough time to do it, and get it back together, before I completely forgot where everything came from / goes.  Even with keeping things organized on dis-assembly, and taking pictures, there's a lot of little stuff.  Plus, lots of things only come out one way, and in a specific order.

It's not back together yet, so I'm not out of the woods till it is.  Still, I prefer to know that all tolerances are as good as I can make them, rather than wonder if some shop monkey cut corners on the job.  That's my motivation.

[Pokey]

Have heard of motorcycle mechanics who were asked what bikes they would not like to work on, the C14 was near the top of the list.