2004-2016 + CRF450X (R,L) valve check and adjustment

Learn how to work on your motorcycle
The CRF450X I just purchased had issues with being hard to start, backfiring and difficult to set the idle correctly. Time for a valve check and adjustment. This will be the same process for model years 2004-2016, and possibly upto the newer models as well. Also covers the 250. for both bikes it is the same whether it's an X,R or an L. HOWEVER, attain and consult a shop manual for YOUR SPECIFIC BIKE for the proper clearance values and torque specs.
The Hotcams shim kit I used can be found here (Amazon affiliate link that I will make a small commission from if you purchase.)
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[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

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[@paulmuddle6750]

Excellent video mate , helped me out heaps

[@spinner01]

Great video and narration. I enjoy your shop-time videos.

[@Crittermoto]

Super impressed with you that you can do that. I’m a mediocre backyard mechanic at best and I’m not sure I’d attempt this. And nice shirt during the clean up, day one 👍🏻 🎵because you know it’s all about those shims ‘Bout the shims, no trouble. It’s all ‘bout the shims, ‘bout the shims, no troubles🎵

[@MyADV360]

Hahaha now I'm gonna have that song 🎶 in my head all day

[@ronn68]

I get yelled at for putting parts on the chest freezer all the time too! “It’s not a workbench! You have a workbench- clear it off!” Haha

[@Chasing_Trail]

Thanks for this! picked up an 04 CRF450R and will be doing this soon, So helpful!!!

[@d.l.horton2093]

Looks easy. Still wary about trying it myself. To afraid it will take to long and life will get in the way. Seems to every weekend I had something planned with the family and it wasn't working on bikes like I hoped.

[@beaudoin440]

Thx for great video

[@craigmac1516]

Left side shim is always tight due to the cam chain being on the left side the extra tension from the chain keeps the cam lobe from traveling far from the valve.. the chain can be fished out with a piece of coat hanger or hooked probe. not a huge deal but do not drop shims or bolts .

[@L--Z]

Nice work, but now I really appreciate my Himmy's archaic but simple shim-less valves.

[@leviwilkinson1924]

Great video

[@bustayu]

Side note if you drop the chain you can get it with a magnet. And alway Is measure your new shim as well, there not always perfect 😁

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

Yes always measure the new shim. I did do that to verify, didn’t film it.

[@bustayu]

@@ExploreAdventureMoto I figured you did !!

[@unclebadger597]

I've always worried about doing this. Now I'm CONVINCED i won't do it myself 😄

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

😂

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

Can be intimidating but really not that difficult. Following torque specs and setting the timing are the most important parts. Honda makes both of those pretty easy.

[@jensmith2174]

Very good job. I suspect you had a very good instructor through the years. 🙂

[@Skidootoronto]

I have a hanging idle carb has full clean and rebuild new cables Starts fine no big just the dam idle hangs new throttle tube too

[@JCrozier1]

Very good. I definitely still think I'd pay someone. 🤷

[@Doublecheesemoto]

I watched to hear you say “ shim buckets”.

[@MyADV360]

Umm, yeah, I'm out! Great explanation, but that's outside my comfort zone by more than just a little bit. Thanks but no thanks 🤘

[@FalksDetail81023]

damn i am having a huge crap of a time trying to get that sprocket back on with that rocker arm

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

Just takes a bit of finesse

[@elderrider9298]

Not to bad to do

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

No not at all. If you have any mechanical knowledge at all, it’s fairly straight forward.

[@elderrider9298]

@@ExploreAdventureMoto np here :) worked as a diesel mechanic for 20+ years

[@brentkellner5107]

What's the service interval?

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

Non competition for my bike the book says 600 miles. Competition interval is 15 hours

[@brentkellner5107]

That would be every 4 or 5 riders for me. Definitely not in my wheelhouse.

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

@@brentkellner5107 it’s just a trail bike for me. 600 miles will last me for many months.

[@brentkellner5107]

I was thinking in Dual Sport terms, not strictly as trailbike. But get your point. Great machine nontheless.

[@ExploreAdventureMoto]

@@brentkellner5107 yes from dual sport terms 600 miles is a mighty short interval. The X can’t be plated where I live anyway unless it was grandfathered in before the state tightened the rules.