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Posted this in the "workshop" section, might get more views here...........

Bikes just ticked over to 9000 odd miles, so the valve clearance check is coming up, now I do all other servicing myself, but this seems a little........involved.

Has anyone here done it themselves?, is it a pig of a job and best left to a stealer?, if so, how much do they sting you for it?

Got mine due as well (perhaps overdue ) so I'm interested in the answer. Am planning on dealer service rather than me doing it though, but would be interested in what's involved for next time

Been meaning to do mine for a month now, but don't have the time.

Wife's off to Ireland with the kids for a week in July so I'll get it done then and let you know.

Got new banjo washers for the fuel line so I can get the tank completely out of the way t make life easier.

the back head shouldn't be too much hassle, but the front might be a problem accessibility wise. Apparently there is also care to be taken resealing around the cam position wire, instant gasket should do the job.

I did mine and didn't have to much of a problem.

Took fuel tank off at the back hinge and left it on it's side on a workmate, just the right hight for me.

Yes rear cylinder is easy to get to once airbox is completely removed.

Most difficult part is removal of front spark plugs (make engine easier to turn over) and getting to the front screws on the front cylinder. Then removal of the rocker cover itself past the frame and other sundries in the way. But it can be done.
Only difficult because access is restricted. Other than that it's pretty easy.

I'm only going from memory cos it's now been a while since i did it.

Enjoy

Ben

You will be looking at £250 if you go for a service and clearances. Dont know how much just the clearances will be tho

did they need adjusting ben, thats were it gets technical, i was quoted £140 that was for valve check and adjust if needed.

My bike had done just over 25000 miles and only one exhaust valve was slightly oversize. Only two thou if memory serves me, on the front cylinder.

So for the hassle of sorting it i used the easier solution of doing nothing and leaving it. I really don't think it would make much difference anyway that small amount. Checking is one thing changing them is a pain in the arse.

Ben

So basically, no adjustment is being made on "most" bikes?, is it REALLY worth checking at all, have any Falco's needed valve adjustment at 9000 miles on here?

danowat wrote:So basically, no adjustment is being made on "most" bikes?, is it REALLY worth checking at all, have any Falco's needed valve adjustment at 9000 miles on here?

the risk is if your valve clearances are to tight then you won't know untill engine damage as been done.sean at corse performance told me he as known the heads of the valve overheat and snap on a few axhaust valves. it's peace of mind getting them checked, i think.

If you get your car serviced, they check your brakes - even though you know they're working, they check them anyway, cos they might spot something that's developing. Like fastasfcuk said, peace of mind.

And the law of the universe says if you check them they'll be fine, and if you don't (or more precisely, if I don't ), something will go pop.

To do it yourself checking the valve is an easy job for someone wh'o competent with a spanner. It's only a bugger if they need adjusting.

I would say check them anyway to be sure