pre dyno service - Valve adjustment cbr triarm rrj

[The Novice]

Copied from previous post - Thanks for the tip on the float bowl o rings, got a set from rick and just waiting on some dyno main jets as recommended and supplied by Graeme France. Will try and change the pilot o rings too. Got new iridium spark plugs to fit so all will be new. Anything else prior to the dyno? Ps I am going to return the pilot screws to factory settings 2 1/2 turns and balance the carbs again before i go. [b]Should I be checking the valve clearances? If so how hard a job is it and do i need anything specialist in terms of tools? Carbs and tank are off at the moment whilst I wait for the main jets to arrive.[/b]

[Cammo]

It would be a good idea, it depends on the engine's mileage, when they were last done and whether you're after some peace of mind.

You'll need a set of feeler gauges, and you may need to order some shims if you need any (you won't know until you check the clearances and see what shims you have).

A haynes manual is a good reference here!

[Wozza]

Only tools you'll need are feeler gauges as Cammo says, socket & driver to turn the engine over (or rear stand), and if you need to change the shims you'll need a micrometer. Plus socket/spanner to get the valve cover off (and camshaft holders if necessary). Think that's all.

[The Novice]

I will prob have a go over the weekend, i have all general tools and feeler guages, paddock stand. Dont have a micrometer but will get one if a shim needs changing

I am pretty sure the valve clearances were done last year and a few shims replaced, have a receipt for it somewhere in the stuff i got when i purchased the bike. Its done v little mileage since last yr, I have only done about 500miles tops since i bought it in July2010 but the bike does have a fair few miles on it - from memory the speedo reads around 75k ! From the state of the bike when i got it tho i reckon it was used daily whatever the weather.

I think i would like to check the clearances even if they were done recently just so i get used to the procedure for it. Only thing that puts me off so far is the lack of space to get at the rocker cover and the fact that everything i have touched on it so far has caused me another headache !

Thanks guys.

[The Novice]

can someone who knows what they are on about, ie more than me!, let me know if the following is right pls.

1) if i am sat on the bike and look down at the engine it is 1-2-3-4 for the cylinders. and yes facing forwards before i get a smart arse!

2) Again sat on the bike are the valves as follows

--------1-----------2------------3-------------4
-----ex---ex------ex--ex------ex--ex--------ex----ex

-----in----in------in----in------in---in--------in----in


i ask as it shows the marks on the ?cam holder? for the outside but the inside of each they appear to have been ground down for some odd reason.....hope that makes sense.

3) when the valve measurements are given, for example inlet 0.12 to 0.18mm. Do I want the measurement to be bang in the middle, ie 0.15 or would i rather it was closer to the 0.12 or the 0.18 measurement. Or am i being a bit thick and anything inbetween is fine, stop worrying.


obviously i am attempting to check the valve clearances but i am not ashamed to say that I am getting a tad confused with it now.

[CMSMJ1]

you are all right...

so easy as that!

for clearances I personally aim for the larger figure so instead of .15 i'd go or .17

the reason there is a range is that it should not really matter... so crack on!!

follow the haynes, get a nice sheet to note the shims and clearances for each valve. Don't drop any down the motor...and you will be a happy camper when you finish it.

I think it is one of the most satisfying mechanical bits on the bike

[The Novice]

Ok thanks for that, I have written all the clearances down now but its all still open for me to check again as -

I am assuming that i just note down the biggest feeler measurement i can fit in the clearance even if it is quite tight. Anyone any tips on if this is right......If so, i need to adjust quite a few.