Valve Check Today

[Lee]

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


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

   

   

   

[Duckbubbles]

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

[Lee]

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
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.

[darrell]

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.

[Duckbubbles]

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
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