Revised valve clearance check interval

[VLJ_imp]

I just know that practically every Honda for the last quarter century or so had the 16K interval, and none of their full-size streetbikes was less than 16K. Some were longer, like the Gold Wing, and some were hydraulic, so no valve adjustments were required, but none were more frequent than 16K. I was blown away when I heard the CB1100—the bike with the most intentionally under-stressed motor in the fleet—had a more frequent interval than just about any modern Ducati, BMW, or Triumph, air-cooled or otherwise.

[jimgl3_imp]

honda tech's have to make a living

however, I'd like to see a poll of how many who have them checked need any adjustment. my prediction is very few.

[Guth_imp]

Fortunately for me valve check intervals just aren't that big of a deal since I don't put that many miles on my CB. I'm just now getting ready to check mine for the first time. If it turns out that they're out of spec, then I'll need to decide whether or not I want to make the adjustments myself. If it turns out the work actually is needed, then I'd rather know sooner rather than later.

[Flytech99_imp]

After reading the interview from the Honda engineer that designed the CB's engine, I started to realize the initial 8,000 mile valve check interval was probably based on good logic from Honda. Even though it's a Japanese Inline-4 (downsized from a proven engine) and should carry with it a reputation for rock-solid reliability, it wasn't designed without compromises. I think Honda deviated from their usual methodology in seeking a particular aesthetic, feel and sound, rather than going for efficiency and longevity. That's likely why the CB came out of the gate a bit under-stressed and over-maintained.

Seven years of production and analysis has probably given them the confidence to up the interval and market the change as a positive.

[max]

2010 for Japan, Australia and I think New Zealand. 2013 for the rest of the world if I'm remembering my CB history correctly.

Have to go to the history section of the forum and re-read.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4403

You are right about New Zealand, that's when i first saw one in the showroom but was not planning to buy anything then.

The Honda promotional video with the tiger moth plane and the sheep was shot in the south island of New Zealand and drove around with a yellow dealer plate from 2010, they change every year and the year is the last two digits of the plate.
the normal plates in nz are reflective white with black writing, so i guess a local dealer supplied the bike for the movie.

At this time there are 11 cb1100's for sale here, the red ones seem the most popular, the dealer i got mine from sold five last year, all imported from japan and in fine condition.
there is even a new one from 2012 that has been modified by another dealer but does not look nice anymore and just does not sell.

2012 just looks sad

[emptysea]

Did anyone ever ask their service folks if they received a service memo from Honda about the valve-check interval on older bikes? I meant to ask my guy, but I forgot

[Cormanus]

honda tech's have to make a living

however, I'd like to see a poll of how many who have them checked need any adjustment. my prediction is very few.

Try http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8882 and add to it. My last one was at about 60,000 kms and the have never needed adjustment. They’re well overdue for another.

[jimgl3_imp]

yep. about what I expected.

[jtopiso_imp]

That's good news!

I'd assume it's the same engine, same parts. But Honda, based on experience, has decided to extend the interval.

I mean: when the model is new, they are conservative. One they have statistical data that proves the 8000 miles adjustment unnecesary, they extend it a bit (a 50% bit!) to 12000.

I'll check with my dealer. My user's manual says 8000...

I was wrong. The pdf manual I downloaded online says 8000.

My paper copy that they gave me with the bike says... nothing!
That row on the chart is just blank. :-?