Valve adjustment frequency

[ErikU]

My '02 R1150R now has 23,000mi. I checked the valves at 16k, and then again today, and they seemed perfect. No adjustment needed. Same for the TB sync.

How often are others finding they actually have to adjust these?

[MikeCam]

It's likely they will never need adjusting. It is safe to continue checking every 6000 or 12000 miles and before every throttle body sync.

[def38]

TB syncronization frequency is a function of throttle cable stretch...the older these cables get, the less they stretch. Valve lash adjustment frequency is a function of wear in the valve train...at 35,000 miles, I do both annually.

[boxermania]

After about 6,000 miles the throttle cables have pretty much streched all they would and the engine has had enough heat cycles to take the "green" out of the castings and therefore minimizing shift.

Experience dictates, as MikeCam and def38 have indicated, that additional adjustment if necessary would by minor at best. I found it good practice to check the TB's every 6000 miles and the valves every 12000 miles as the time spent is minimal.

Don't forget your alternator belt tension check and ultimate replacement at 36,000 to 48,000 miles.

Good luck.........

[gregor]

My bike is on 14000miles and the valves have never been checked.Worried about making a mess of it and causing damage. Did the valves on my old R80/7- that was pretty easy but half the number of valves. Will be done by the local dealer next week.
Been doing the other servicing myself.

[def38]

My bike is on 14000miles and the valves have never been checked.Worried about making a mess of it and causing damage. Did the valves on my old R80/7- that was pretty easy but half the number of valves. Will be done by the local dealer next week.
Been doing the other servicing myself.

The valve lash techniques you used for your old R bike are similar to those required for your new model. Don't fear the new bike, learn it!

[FloridaBeakster]

My bike is on 14000miles and the valves have never been checked.Worried about making a mess of it and causing damage. Did the valves on my old R80/7- that was pretty easy but half the number of valves. Will be done by the local dealer next week.
Been doing the other servicing myself.

I just finished adjusting the valves on my beakster. They are NOT any more difficult than those on the airhead (1988 R100RS in my case). Follow Anton Largiader's routine and it will be a snap:

http://www.largiader.com/tech/ohvalves/

I didn't adjust the rocker arm play, just made sure there was a little bit of play in it.

[chris]

Well I've serviced everything on my 03 myself except for valves and tb sync which haven;t been done since 6k. It's not rattling and it runs fine so I plan to leave well alone.