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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2012
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Shim diameter for F650GS twin?

Can someone please tell me what diameter shims my 2009 F650 GS twin takes? I believe the singles take a 29mm but I can't track down the spec for a twin.

Also, I am in Peru and needing to adjust my valve clearances - trouble being getting hold of the correct shims (evidently!) - I have been advised that I should be able to get shims for another bike or car sanded down to size. Can anyone confirm this and maybe suggest what bike or car's shims would work?

Thanks!
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Old 16 Jul 2012
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OK, so a little more research has told me that my clearances are too _big_ and so I need larger shims, so no sanding etc. will help. I guess my only option is to get hold of the proper BMW semi-spheres - If anyone can tell me an alternative I would love to hear!

Can anyone tell me how damaging it is likely to be to ride further on the bike with the clearances incorrect? The prospect of staying here in Lima for 4 weeks while waiting for parts does not appeal and so I was thinking of exploring the north coast. But obviously if this is going to cause drastic damage to the engine I won't. Opinions gratefully received.

Anyone suggest the quickest way of getting the shims to Lima? ie FedEx etc.? And from where? Europe, US or maybe Colombia?

Thanks for any suggestions!
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Old 17 Jul 2012
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Hi, try:Motorworks BMW Motorcycle Specialists - Home
I know they ship worldwide they also have a part finder on the site this should help with the shim size.

regards

Gren
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Old 17 Jul 2012
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Hi Goo,
A method I have used to make up the clearance,do not know if it is applicable to your motor though.Purchase sheets of shim steel,(if avaliable,where you are) of various thickness,to make up the desired clearance.Cut out circle of the sheet steel and place them UNDER the existing shim,with a blob of grease to keep the shim steel in place.
To determine thickness of shim steel required,if the valve clearance is 10 thou and 4 thou is required the shim steel would need to be 6thou.
Hope this makes sense.
Regards Ben
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Old 20 Jul 2012
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Unbelievably, the whole thing has turned out to be a hoax on the part of the BMW dealer..! Apparently he made his diagnosis without opening the valve cover and now, having found his socket set has pronounced the clearances within spec....

Thanks for all the input though - useful info for down the road...!
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