11-07-2022, 11:32 PM
Only a few do their own home mechanics, and most don't put enough miles on them to need to get into the internals before moving on to the next bike. It's not unusual to see 5-10 year old bikes for sale with less than 5,000 miles. Way before the first valve service is due. As a matter of fact they are just called valve "inspections" these days (to make sure they are still in spec) and that doesn't require cam removal. It's also not unusual on this forum and others I have been on for the home mechanic type, who do check their valve adjustments frequently to find them still in spec after 25-50,000 miles. My Honda ST 1300 never required a valve adjustment in 110,000 miles.
I don't think the manufacturers went into it with the thought that if they went with the shim under bucket that they would make a lot of money from valve services.
The XS 650's had a simpler adjustment but required adjusting more frequently as those valve arrangements were not as stable/reliable (I had (3) 650 Yamahas, a 73, a 79 and an 81). Having worked in the industry for 17 years from 1972-1989 I can tell you only a few did their own mechanics back then too. Most when needing service, other than an oil change or chain adjustment, brought their bikes into dealerships for service. Plus today working on stuff is a dying art. Millenials and Gen Z's have little desire to own vehicles much less work on them.
Putting air in a tire is really a simple thing, but you'd be surprised at how many motorcyclists are not even any good at keeping up with that simple task at home.
I don't think the manufacturers went into it with the thought that if they went with the shim under bucket that they would make a lot of money from valve services.
The XS 650's had a simpler adjustment but required adjusting more frequently as those valve arrangements were not as stable/reliable (I had (3) 650 Yamahas, a 73, a 79 and an 81). Having worked in the industry for 17 years from 1972-1989 I can tell you only a few did their own mechanics back then too. Most when needing service, other than an oil change or chain adjustment, brought their bikes into dealerships for service. Plus today working on stuff is a dying art. Millenials and Gen Z's have little desire to own vehicles much less work on them.
Putting air in a tire is really a simple thing, but you'd be surprised at how many motorcyclists are not even any good at keeping up with that simple task at home.