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Valve Check Today
#1
Checked the valves and changed plugs on both bikes today.
As expected the valves are within spec.
47,550 miles on my bike and 45,050 on Deb's.
Last valve check and plug change was approx 18,000 miles ago.
I would have went further on the valve check but wanted to look at the cams since I see more and more posts about bad cams.
When we bought our bikes in 2016 the Tech told me to look at the cams when I do a valve check because he had replaced a few that had grooves in them.
For some reason this is still happening on newer bikes.

I like that it's easy to check the valves on the Wethead boxers. The Brick engine K bikes was slightly easier and the two valve K bikes were the best.
On the two valve K bikes you did not need to remove the cam to change a shim.
The K1300S was not easy because there was too much crap in the way. On those bikes I had the shop check the valve at 30,000 miles and traded the bikes after 60,000 miles so I did not spend much on valve checks Smile


If it's still comfortable in the garage I'll probably change the air filters after Arkansas next month.

   

   

   
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#2
The two valve K's were easy but my vote for easiest with removable shims is the camhead. Remove an "E" clip, slide the follower to the side and remove the shim. No special tools required. A shame they didn't continue that system with the wethead. Oilheads had screw/locknut adjusters. Also easy.
I've got 35,000 mi. on my '17 now and have not had to reset clearances. I am doing a 5000/10,000 mile plan instead of the 6/12.

Frank
'23 R1250RS, 9000 mi. 1 yr., '03 R1100S BCR #6/200, '85 K100/1100RS- 38 yrs. 331,000 mi., '17R1200RS- 51,054 mi. (gone), '16 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. (gone), '11 R1200RT-30,000 mi. (gone), '05 R1200ST-58,000 mi. (gone), '96 Ducati 900SS/SP-89,000 mi. (gone), 560K+ BMW miles
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#3
(09-28-2020, 06:18 AM)Duckbubbles Wrote: Oilheads had screw/locknut adjusters. Also easy.

Frank

My 84 Airhead had that but didn't like it because it seemed like you had to redo them after a trip around the block Smile
That vintage Airhead had the poor valve seats.
In 65,000 miles I had the heads redone twice and they needed it again when we traded.
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#4
On the RS I had my values last checked at 107,000 mile and they have never been out of spec since new so never adjusted. My 2002 R1150GSA has 127,000 miles on it and I check it every 12000 miles or so and on occasion do make some very minor adjustments but more because I feel I should do something while in there than finding them really out of spec.
Darrell
2016 R1200RS
2022 R1250RT

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#5
(09-28-2020, 07:20 AM)Lee Wrote:
(09-28-2020, 06:18 AM)Duckbubbles Wrote: Oilheads had screw/locknut adjusters. Also easy.

Frank

My 84 Airhead had that but didn't like it because it seemed like you had to redo them after a trip around the block Smile
That vintage Airhead had the poor valve seats.
In 65,000 miles I had the heads redone twice and they needed it again when we traded.
No experience with airheads, but that backs up what I've heard. I wonder if using unleaded fuel was the cause?
I was just referring to ease of adjustment without special tools, not longevity. I have a special crowfoot attachment that I use on my R11S to torque the locknuts. Not absolutely necessary, but I'm OCD like that.

Frank
'23 R1250RS, 9000 mi. 1 yr., '03 R1100S BCR #6/200, '85 K100/1100RS- 38 yrs. 331,000 mi., '17R1200RS- 51,054 mi. (gone), '16 R1200RS- 28,322 mi. (gone), '11 R1200RT-30,000 mi. (gone), '05 R1200ST-58,000 mi. (gone), '96 Ducati 900SS/SP-89,000 mi. (gone), 560K+ BMW miles
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