02-10-2014, 01:42 PM
8000's not too bad. I presume an adjustment means lifting the cams?
If any of you guys are thinking of adjusting your own valves for the first time, it's a neat process. [url=http://www.calamarichris.com/zx9r/valveadj1.htm]Here's my little online primer for adjusting valves on Kawasaki's mighty ZX9R. (clicky) You'll still want to get the Honda Factory manual before tackling the job on your CB's, but it gives you an idea.
One advantage to this bike is you don't have to drain any coolant, disconnect any radiators, or worry about getting any little O-rings on the coolant plumbing misaligned. Ought to save at least an hour on the job.
Just made me think of another example of advantage/disadvantage:
Kawasakis are known for having comparatively steep cams, which mean excellent top-end power. But those tall cams require stiff valve springs to avoid valve float at higher rpm, which means more valve seat & seal wear. If you stay on top of the maintenance, they still do pretty well.
There used to be a joke going around about Kawasakis when I bought that 9R 12 years ago:
"What do you call a Kawasaki with a quiet top end?"
"A two-stroke."
My old 9R does sound a little clattery when cold, but I've been more than meticulous with the maintenance over the years and she still purrs like a kitten when warm, (and still has a terrifyingly brutal hit at 9000rpm that still scares me on public roads.)
If any of you guys are thinking of adjusting your own valves for the first time, it's a neat process. [url=http://www.calamarichris.com/zx9r/valveadj1.htm]Here's my little online primer for adjusting valves on Kawasaki's mighty ZX9R. (clicky) You'll still want to get the Honda Factory manual before tackling the job on your CB's, but it gives you an idea.
One advantage to this bike is you don't have to drain any coolant, disconnect any radiators, or worry about getting any little O-rings on the coolant plumbing misaligned. Ought to save at least an hour on the job.
Just made me think of another example of advantage/disadvantage:
Kawasakis are known for having comparatively steep cams, which mean excellent top-end power. But those tall cams require stiff valve springs to avoid valve float at higher rpm, which means more valve seat & seal wear. If you stay on top of the maintenance, they still do pretty well.
There used to be a joke going around about Kawasakis when I bought that 9R 12 years ago:
"What do you call a Kawasaki with a quiet top end?"
"A two-stroke."
My old 9R does sound a little clattery when cold, but I've been more than meticulous with the maintenance over the years and she still purrs like a kitten when warm, (and still has a terrifyingly brutal hit at 9000rpm that still scares me on public roads.)