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(07-14-2015, 09:45 PM)redbirds_imp Wrote: Checking the clearances is not beyond the skills of the average owner. At 8K I will buy the required replacement parts, pull the tank and do the check. If everything is in spec I am out only a small bit of cash and some quality time with the bike. By doing this yourself you will also know that it was done right and you can record the clearances for each valve as a reference at the next inspection. If the clearances remain stable at future inspections you will have the peace of mind to know that your Honda is in good health.
Well, this sometimes turns out to, ...you will also know, who f*cked it up. 
...at least for me, but I wouldn't tell. 
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(07-14-2015, 10:10 PM)Django_imp Wrote: (07-14-2015, 09:45 PM)redbirds_imp Wrote: Checking the clearances is not beyond the skills of the average owner. At 8K I will buy the required replacement parts, pull the tank and do the check. If everything is in spec I am out only a small bit of cash and some quality time with the bike. By doing this yourself you will also know that it was done right and you can record the clearances for each valve as a reference at the next inspection. If the clearances remain stable at future inspections you will have the peace of mind to know that your Honda is in good health.
Well, this sometimes turns out to, ...you will also know, who f*cked it up.
...at least for me, but I wouldn't tell.
Well, this sometimes turns out to, ...you will also know, who f*cked it up.
...at least for me, but I wouldn't tell.
 True enough but said "mistake" will, at least, not be covered up by a tech who wishes only to cover his arse.
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The only thing that I use the dealer for is to mount and balance the tires and wheels that I bring in. I just haven't had good experiences with the dealers.
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(07-14-2015, 09:45 PM)redbirds_imp Wrote: Checking the clearances is not beyond the skills of the average owner. At 8K I will buy the required replacement parts, pull the tank and do the check. If everything is in spec I am out only a small bit of cash and some quality time with the bike. By doing this yourself you will also know that it was done right and you can record the clearances for each valve as a reference at the next inspection. If the clearances remain stable at future inspections you will have the peace of mind to know that your Honda is in good health.
A rash statement indeed, redbirds. I'm obviously not your average owner!
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[quote='DaSwami' pid='98312' dateline='1436586407']
CBers,
Just like the title says, bike is running great. I know the manual calls for an inspection/adjustment at 8K but I have real doubts the shim over bucket valves have truly deviated from spec.
My first service was 15,000 mi., everything was within spec, no adj. necessary.
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Haystack,
Our bikes are shim UNDER bucket.
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How much time do you think it would take to "check" the valves yourself?
Dealer quotes 4 hours, at $100/hr. then another 1 or 2 if adjustment needed.
when I was young and cheap, I used to do my own 600 & 900 Ninja adjustments myself( threaded).
Of course if I find any out of spec on my CB, my next decision would be to proceed with shim work...or pack back up and take to dealer...not a good junction to be at.
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Four hours for a dealer mechanic sounds real. For the owner twice that, depending, ultimately, on mech dexterity and how many times you've done it. The old story, after you've done it, you know how to do it.
Cheers
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(07-15-2015, 11:06 PM)HikerToo_imp Wrote: How much time do you think it would take to "check" the valves yourself?
Dealer quotes 4 hours, at $100/hr. then another 1 or 2 if adjustment needed.
when I was young and cheap, I used to do my own 600 & 900 Ninja adjustments myself( threaded).
Of course if I find any out of spec on my CB, my next decision would be to proceed with shim work...or pack back up and take to dealer...not a good junction to be at.
My Triumph Tiger had more "stuff" to remove, body work as well as the tank and I could remove and replace in 15 minutes once I'd done it a few times. I can't believe that it could possibly take 3+ hours to remove 4 spark plugs and a cam cover, rotate the engine a few times and slide a feeler gauge over each bucket. That being said, having to remove the cams, measure both old and replacement shims, replace cams and remeasure clearances, that could take a while.
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I am happy to read what I have suspected for years; that low stressed Honda engines with shim under bucket valves rarely need adjustment. The lack of hydraulic valves has been my biggest complaint regarding the CB. From everything I have read, I will wait to check them when I change the oil at 15K.
There is definitely something good to be said about being able to change the motor oil, adjust the valves, clean up mess, wash my hands and enjoy a cold beer in less than 90 minutes on my R1200GS.
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