 |
|
6 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 17
|
|
|
Valve Adjustment Interval
I adjusted my valves to the max clearance back in October (10,000 miles ago). I know the manual says that the valve clearance should be checked every 6,000 miles; however, when I did mine a friend helped me and supposedly I don't have to worry about them for a "long time." My question is: how long do you think a "long time" is and when should I check them again? [I also emailed him but I haven't recieved a reply yet so figured I would try this and see what you think.] Thanks.
|
7 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
|
|
|
Er, what bike is it?
I would set to middle of clearance as with wear on the top end, clearances will open up if that exceeds valve seat wear.
Just check 'em every 10k - it ain't hard.
|
7 Mar 2012
|
|
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
|
|
|
For KLR 650 I find you can go 20,000km (12,000 miles) before the valve clearances change enough to warrant re-setting them
Hope this helps.
|
12 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 17
|
|
|
On The Road
Thanks for the replies guys. It's a KLR 650 '07... sorry, I just assumed it was a KLR thread but that was a bold assumption.
Anyway, I'm on the road and that's why it's kind of pain to find a place to check them- I don't really trust mechanics. Looks like they're due so I'll find a place to check them... maybe in Sao Paulo.
Thanks again!
|
13 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
|
|
|
I set up my 2000 KLR 650 to the loose end of spec at 10,000 miles. I t now has 66,000 on it, and while I've checked them several times, I haven't had to adjust them in all that time. They have closed up some, but still in spec. I would just ride it, unless you piling up serious miles.
|
13 Mar 2012
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
|
|
|
My KLR needed valve shims changed around 10,000, again around 70,000 miles. I checked frequently at first, less often after. Contrary to advice given in #2 above, always adjust to the loosest possible spec, not the middle of the range.
You'll notice that some seem to need adjusting more often than others. I don't know what the difference is (Different riding styles? Gas or oil? Engine? Altitude?), but once I got used to things I continued to check every 10 or 15k miles, just in case.
Mark
|
13 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
|
|
|
"Contrary to advice given in #2 above, always adjust to the loosest possible spec, not the middle of the range. "
Why, exactly?
Depends on riding style, oil, oil change interval, fuel etc etc.
I don't normally dissent with your opinions, Mark, but I disagree with this one as it is erroneous - IMHO, of course!
Open to the floor..... what does TouringTed think?
|
13 Mar 2012
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
Better to check them too often than not often enough.... 
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
13 Mar 2012
|
 |
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Illinois, USA
Posts: 26
|
|
|
Mines an 09.Easy to check takes only 20-30 minutes once you've done it a few time. Mine have change .001 on one valve (left intake I think) over the past 28,000 miles. I still check them at 6-7 thousand miles. I've seen some KLRs that tighten .002-.003 every 5 thousand miles. Go figure. I'm not sure what the difference is but engine load is probably a factor. :confused1:
|
13 Mar 2012
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock
Why, exactly?
|
Because:
1. It works, as proven to my satisfaction by the fact that KLR's seem to run on and on without need for top end work of any sort for--commonly--100k miles/160k km.
2. It's easy, saving maybe one valve shim change out of two.
Is there more to it than that? Does setting to the loose end of the spec actually harm anything? Is there a theoretical reason why it might? Does anyone have direct experience of a time when it did? Are their specific circumstances when this shouldn't be done, e.g., if you like to accelerate hard, lug the engine, ride at high altitude or drop the bike during deep river crossings? I'm willing to learn.
I did meet a Canadian rider in Brazil who had his valves adjusted far looser than spec somewhere along the way by a "mechanic" who told him not to worry because they'd tighten up over time. His bike sounded terrible, and it's not something I would have done. I never did hear whether anything bad came of it.
Mark
|
13 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock
"Contrary to advice given in #2 above, always adjust to the loosest possible spec, not the middle of the range. "
Why, exactly?
|
Every OHC engine I have ever worked on has had the valves tighten, not loosen over time. The theory is that the valves sink themselves into the seat quicker than any other wear takes place. Ergo, I set them to the loosest spec, assuming they will close up. I have had pushrod engines, car and bike, open up. Just more wear points? I don't know. YMMV.
FWIW, I make it a practice to not run the enigne over 5000 RPM for extended periods.
Last edited by AndyT; 13 Mar 2012 at 20:11.
Reason: added engine speed note
|
14 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
|
|
|
Fair enough.
Long distance riders will likely find that valve clearances close up, stop-starters that they open or close with no pattern.
I've always set to the middle and sometimes have to adjust, but it ain't a big deal.
YMMV, of course.
In my area of work we tend not to base practice on studies of one or two cases, but that is not to say that anecdote is not useful or educational and if it works for you and your riding style, more power to you.
|
14 Mar 2012
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock
Long distance riders will likely find that valve clearances close up, stop-starters that they open or close with no pattern.....In my area of work we tend not to base practice on studies of one or two cases, but that is not to say that anecdote is not useful or educational
|
Just to clarify: as I understand it we're all talking about KLR's. I own two, one of which I've had for a lot of miles (and valve checks). I've also talked with a lot of KLR owners about valve clearances, and participated for years in the DSN KLR forum, which includes many long-term KLR riders, vendors and mechanics.
I've not heard anyone describe valve clearances becoming looser, no matter what the riding style. Nor have I heard anyone articulate a rationale for setting valves at mid-spec which is based on experience or mechanical process. That places me somewhere in the netherland beyond "studies of one or two cases." I sure don't consider myself to have settled the issue to the standards of scientific inquiry--control groups, double blind evaluation by disinterested observers, elimination of confounding variables, publication in peer-reviewed journals, etc.
When I get a chance I'll ask in the DSN KLR forum. Just to make sure I've got this right, are you saying you've seen your KLR valves (or someone else's) loosen with use after being set and checked cold? I'm not trying to be snide: I'm hoping not to make a fool of myself by misrepresenting your report.
Mark
|
14 Mar 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
|
|
|
I'm not trying to be snide: I'm hoping not to make a fool of myself by misrepresenting your report.
Mark[/QUOTE]
Not taken as snide, don't worry; I welcome debate and discussion. To answer your question, I have never serviced a KLR as they stopped selling them in Europe quite some time ago. My stance on bucket and shim valves is based on various other Kawasaki models such as kz650, 750 and GPz550, Suzuki cross the frame fours - GS550, GSX750 (might have had scre and locknut, can't remember) and GS1000 and a Yamaha CTF four; so I accept my experience is clearly not as relevant as yours.
In short, you may have a point. But I'll be setting the clearances on my XT660Z to mid-way, although with screw and lock nut tappets they are a doddle to adjust.
I agree that setting the valve clearances too wide is bad medicine.
|
24 Sep 2014
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Posts: 3
|
|
|
is it possible to have zero clearance
I am checking valves for the first time on my 2008 KLR. I'm following the manual and it seems like I have zero clearance on all valves. I checked a couple times to make sure the "T" is in the window and tried right down to 0.038mm on each valve.
It is at 26,000km.
Is this possible or am I being a boob in some way?:confused1:
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
