8000 mi. service - valve check/adjustment

[Rolls_imp]

Well, it's time for my 8,000 mile service. I am definitely following the factory service schedule, so it's time get all up in my valve train.

So, how to get the job done?

I don't really like the idea of taking a chance that I'll get a service tech who cares about my bike as much as I do. There's no shortage of service dept horror stories.

But otoh I've never checked/adjusted valves on an inline 4 bike, or, for that matter, a bucket and shim arrangement. (My '83 650 Nighthawk had hydraulic valve adjustment and shaft drive - just change the oil and ride!)

Has anyone done the valve inspection themselves? How hard is it? If a valve needs adjustment, how hard is that?

Also, if anyone knows a Honda tech in the SF Bay Area that is meticulous and honest, please, hook a brotha up. (I really liked my purchase experience at Hollister Honda, but I don't know how their service dept. is).

Thanks!

Edit: This is pretty close to mike deligatta's thread, so let's disregard mine and focus on his. http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1725

[Randy B]

I will say this....if a valve needs adjustment the cam will need to be removed. Unfortunately there is no way around it.
I took mine into the place I bought it and had a good experience. They gave it back to me in one piece and clean. I think they over cleaned it though and didn't re-lube the chain because shortly thereafter I have a surface rust issue and I had to do a quick clean and lube on the chain and that took care of that issue. Just make sure all is lubed up and you'll be GTG.

[Rolls_imp]

Thanks, Randy. Ducati/Honda at 237 & El Camino, right? About 4 hours of shop time?

[Randy B]

I just had them do the valve adjustment, but I also had a new front tire installed at that time and I honestly don't remember to total for the work. I dropped it off early on a Saturday and picked it up before closing.

[Mike Bee_imp]

I will say this....if a valve needs adjustment the cam will need to be removed. Unfortunately there is no way around it.
I took mine into the place I bought it and had a good experience. They gave it back to me in one piece and clean. I think they over cleaned it though and didn't re-lube the chain because shortly thereafter I have a surface rust issue and I had to do a quick clean and lube on the chain and that took care of that issue. Just make sure all is lubed up and you'll be GTG.

Were any of the shims replaced? I'm wondering how prone the CB is to shim wear. I took delivery on my freshly serviced BMW K1600 on Saturday. Had a discussion with the tech guys (service writer & mechanic) about valve adjustment on my bike and Beemers in general. The K1600's get checked at 18K miles. This service department had never had to replace a shim on my model or any of the 4-cylinder models they've had in the shop. My understanding is a lot rides on how the bike is ridden - my CB1100 & BMW are very similar in that the engines are very torquey & don't need to be wound out to get real power out of them. We may get lucky & not need much adjustment. I hope...

~ The Bee

[_imp]

I just had them do the valve adjustment, but I also had a new front tire installed at that time and I honestly don't remember to total for the work. I dropped it off early on a Saturday and picked it up before closing.

So how many miles did you manage on the front tire.?
Was it worn enough or did you play it safe. 8,000 miles
is about average I guess. 6,ooo being too little and 12,ooo
pretty extended.So far I'm pretty impressed with the Bridgestones.
They seem really hard and can handle a lot.I prefer Dunlop.

[Randy B]

No shims were replaced.....right in spec.
The service was performed at just over 9000 miles and I probably could have pushed it at least another 1000, but I was commuting over 110 miles a day at the time so I didn't want to take the chance. AndkI'm extremely pleased withthe Bridgestones the rear is really surprising me with its longevity.