Honda Forza 300 Valve Clearance and Adjustment (NSS300) using Shims

[@zooskifilms]

Subscribe to my channel and get notified every time I release a new video: kzbin.info

[@peter7624]

Great design allowing the removal of the shims without disturbing the valve timing. Great, clear video, many thanks!

[@zooskifilms]

@peter7624 - Thank you for watching and commenting, it is appreciated!

[@rolacook222]

AND??????? You just exceeded my DIY’er abilities! Great video! Your confidence, patience & expertise are apparent. I am confident, my patience would run out well ahead of any expertise I possess?! Still fun to watch your very methodical & organized project! Best, Rola (Oregon)👍🏻

[@zooskifilms]

@rolacook222 - Haha, you can do it, just give yourself some time and dig deep on that patience, every ounce counts. Many people have commented that the clearances haven't changed much up to 75K miles. Just keep that oil changed on a regular basis. Unless you feel loss of power or hear loud ticking noises, you're probably in good shape. Thanks again Rola!

[@rolacook222]

@@zooskifilms 👍🏻

[@Watson2108]

Thank you! This video completely took away my fear of doing this on my Xmax 300. I already do all the other regular maintenance by myself and I will add this to the list. Saving literally a few thousand € every year by not getting everything done at the dealer...

[@zooskifilms]

@Watson - Amen to that! Thanks for watching and for the comment, it is appreciated! Happy wrenching!

[@123spleege]

Another cool thing about this vid is the reassembly....you show it. Unlike most other vids that just state,'" do in the reverse". thanks again Zoo

[@zooskifilms]

@David Westsmith - Yeah, I hate that because I need to know torque settings and any other insight that would otherwise not be known. I make the videos I want to see. And apparently you too! Thanks again for the comment. Look for a couple of new Forza videos coming soon on coolant change and final drive oil change. Cheers!

[@1966johnnywayne]

This was the most detailed, and English valve check video that I have encountered...THANK YOU. Sub'd

[@zooskifilms]

@1966johnnywayne - Thanks for watching, commenting and subbing, it is appreciated! Glad to hear this video was helpful. Ride safe!

[@fredhair6146]

The info about removing the panels and storage bin is most valuable. We'll done,easy to keep up. Mine is a 2014 and had to replace a few panels when wind knocked it over. Tough to get any parts this last two years. 26,500 miles and ridden to work daily unless ice on the road. Lots of fun.

[@MarkChomiczewski]

@Fred Hair - Thanks for watching and for the comment, glad to hear the video was helpful. You have racked up many more miles than I have. I am currently in Thailand and parts are still readily available here. You may have to pay for the longer shipment though. Thanks again and ride safe!

[@zooskifilms]

@Fred Hair - Thanks for watching and for the comment, glad to hear the video was helpful. You have racked up many more miles than I have. I am currently in Thailand and parts are still readily available here. You may have to pay for the longer shipment though. Thanks again and ride safe!

[@TheAncientBiker]

That my friend is the perfect example of how to do a KZbin instructional video. Brilliant! I am buying a Forza next week so I've obviously subscribed. Thank you.

[@zooskifilms]

@Richard Wells - Thank you for watching and for the inspiring comment! It helps keep motivated to continue making more videos. Thanks again and enjoy your new Forza! Ride safe!

[@nemanjatosovic]

This is one of the best videos which completely explains how to properly perform a valve check and adjustment if necessary. Your effort is much appreciated my friend!

[@zooskifilms]

@Nemanja - appreciate the comment! Glad to hear you liked it. Cheers!

[@apesintanks162]

You are a legend sir!!! Many thanks for your time, effort and a great tutorial. God bless you.

[@zooskifilms]

@Khumoyun Turgunov - Thanks for the comment! It is much appreciated. Glad to hear you found it useful, that keeps me motivated to keep doing more! Cheers!

[@jimgibson4760]

Great explanation. To the point, informative and excellently explained. Many thanks for sharing.

[@zooskifilms]

@jimgibson4760 - Hey thanks for watching and for the nice comment, it is appreciated!

[@OnurYldrm35]

I'm a xmax 300 user. The manual says check the valve clearances at every 20k kms. I've never seen authorized services do this when we go service for periodic maintenance. I'm gonna do mine by myself. Thanks for the video. Mine is very similar with yours.

[@zooskifilms]

@Onur Yıldırım - Ok, excellent, hope this video helped out! The XMAX looks good. I've seen lots of comparisons between the two. Good luck!

[@vasilyshilimov4147]

This is very well explained. Thanks !

[@zooskifilms]

@vasilyshilimov4147 - Thank you for watching and commenting, it is appreciated!

[@Street_fighter_2]

Thank you! I was able to adjust valves on my 2013 Forza 300. 42 thnd km of mileage. Only intake ones were a bit loose. Be carefull with the valve cover bolts (10 NM tight torque). I broke one and it was quite hard to extract it out. I suggest you change them if you do valve check ( part number is 90002-MEB-670)

[@zooskifilms]

@Демьян Баннов - Yes, good point and thanks for sharing. I assume you broke that bolt while tightening it? I had that problem on a few projects where I was trying to use the low end of the torque wrench. I think torque wrenches are best used in the 25% to 90% range of the wrench. I purchased a smaller range torque wrench and never broke off another bolt since. Thanks again!

[@stevenatleven]

Having just bought a high mileage Forza this was very timely. Very thorough with good explanations, will use the video as a reference if i tackle this job over the winter.

[@zooskifilms]

@stevenatleven - Glad to hear it! So, how many miles we talking?

[@stevenatleven]

@@zooskifilms 40,000k not so much but doubt valves have ever been looked at

[@zooskifilms]

@stevenatleven - yes, understand! I still haven't broken the 5K mile mark myself. Need a few more long trips.

[@123spleege]

Zooskifilms!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been dreading this after the hassle of my PCX 150 years ago....all that plastic! I cannot tell you how awesome you are to make this video. You relieved so much dread!!! haha. That looks to be a 2014 as well which is what I have. It is like watching myself do it....Again, thank you so much for this video!!!!!

[@zooskifilms]

@David Westsmith - Haha!😁- Anyone that has done this probably feels the same way. But in the end it's not that bad! Glad you liked the video. This Forza is a 2015, pretty sure the 2014 and 2015 are the same. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@123spleege]

@@zooskifilms Hey Zoo, yea well I just finished checking them and sure as shit.....perfect. haha. This was 23,000. quite a bit beyond the 16,000 the manual calls for. Question: I have not located a gas filter. Do your forza's have one?

[@123spleege]

BTW, this was my first valve check. I blew by the 16,000 because I thought it was fruitless...I was right!

[@zooskifilms]

@@123spleege - Good to hear. Love the Forza! And yes, there is a fuel filter in the fuel pump (just checked the service manual). Damn, now I need to make a video on checking and replacing the fuel filter! Shoot me a PM and I'd be happy to send you photos of the pages from the service manual.

[@123spleege]

@@zooskifilms hey Zoo, thanks for the offer. I also have a service manual and went through it about the fuel filter. It really isn't even on the maintenance schedule, just inspections. So I am letting it go at this time. Hard to imagine contaminants getting into the tank. And it can't rust as well.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

There's also a trick to put the shims back in. You use the magnetic pen again and position the shim and then push down on it with the magnetic pen and slowly slide it off to the side.

[@zooskifilms]

@user-ld6wo4rv8h - Yeah, my telescoping magnet was way too strong for these shims, a pen magnet sounds more appropriate. Great tip, thank you for sharing!

[@teflon9robert]

In the fifth minute you unscrew the seat, unscrew the four nuts with a 10mm wrench. I unscrewed these two nuts with a 12mm wrench, it's easy to put the seat back on yourself. Regards Robert

[@zooskifilms]

@teflon9robert - Interesting, I will go back and check that size again. It's possible I have that wrong. Thanks for the comment and ride safe!

[@danxiaoguide]

it was helpful to me. thanks a lot.

[@zooskifilms]

@胆小鬼 - Great to hear. Thanks for watching and commenting. Ride safe!🛵

[@NFL2337]

thank you loads for the video, I would like in the future to instal heated grips on my forza but I don't really know the sequence of taking the front panels off, a video of that would be owesome! subscribed! keep up the good work!

[@zooskifilms]

@Gherman Dan - thanks for the comment, your video request has been queued up! Do you have a particular model of heated grips you want to install? I’ll look them up and see what’s needed for the electrical side of things too. And thanks for subscribing!

[@NFL2337]

@@zooskifilms hey man, thank you for answering me! I've got a Hornet and a pcx that I have instaled grips before, electrical part and the actual install on the handlebar isn't the issue, my problem is that I can't find the way of removing the plastics in the corect order and I don't want to break any pins or slots in the fairings, it was a melt to install grips on the PCX because I had to figure it out by myself the way of removing the plastics and I've broken some supports. The forza I got is in really good condition and I want to keep the plastics the same. It's not necessarily a request for a video, maybe you have a link that would help, that would be grately appreciated! Ride safe and have a good day! Dan

[@zooskifilms]

@@NFL2337 - Ok, understood. I'll have a look at the service manual and my Forza. Do you need to strip it down to connect to the battery, or are you connecting to a power supply somewhere higher? Just curious how much plastic needs to come off.

[@NFL2337]

@@zooskifilms I'm thinking of running the wiring underneath the fairings till the battery. Thanks

[@koyval22]

Damn many bolts and screws to remove before you can access the head cover. In a Kymco Gdink 300i you just have to remove 1 engine cover under the seat so you can access the head cover.

[@zooskifilms]

@kirkvalera7760 - Yeah, it takes a bit to get to the cylinder. There is an access panel to get the spark plug, so not a big deal there. I probably won't check the valves again until 30,000 miles, or if I hear some ticking noise. Cheers!

[@123spleege]

Zoo, I remember I checked the valves on my PCX 150 twice. Once at the 16,000 miles service requirement and then about 24,000 miles. neither checks required shims. I later asked a local Honda service guy if these valves ever go out and he said he really couldn't say but, they have yet to replace shims on any PCX. I had my 150 for another year and then sold it to get my NSS 300. I wonder if these valves ever go out of adjustment enough to warrant the replacement of the shims. I think Honda got this one right...shims that is...

[@zooskifilms]

@David Westsmith - Yeah, I would agree with that. It will probably be very high mileage before those shims ever need to be replaced. I will probably check them again at 15,000 miles and compare to what I dod here. If insignificant difference I'll probably wait until 50,000 miles for the next check. Thanks for the comment!

[@lsa7086]

Olá fiz a regulagem na sh 300 Estava 0,05 adm e escapamento 0,05 Fiz a regulagem deixar 15.00 adm e esp 20.00 ficou um pouco batendo valvula Mas conferi nonual de serviço honda Fazer só com 60.000 km Km atual 40.000 Grato ótimo vídeo Parabéns

[@zooskifilms]

@lsa - Obrigado por seu comentário e por assistir. Vou adicionar as informações da Honda sobre o tempo de verificação da válvula recomendado na descrição. Espero que o som do tique-taque desapareça! Obrigado novamente!

[@Topalsolucan123]

video with great content. ty

[@zooskifilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelscott9773]

Yes great video thanks for sharing--it must cost a fortune in dealers to have this done-- I bet most valves don't need any adjustment after taking all these panels off?

[@zooskifilms]

@Michael Scott - Yes, agreed on both counts. Valve clearances are probably good until you get into higher mileage. Dealer shops seem to always be busy, so people are paying those prices!

[@youtubedjdj]

great video, keep making Forza content please! How long did this project take you to do?

[@zooskifilms]

Thanks! This one took a couple of days to shoot. It was pretty hot and humid and I had to figure out how to get all of the panels and luggage box out first. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anthonyblair2551]

Hi, I recently bought a Forza 2013 (NSS300) and wanted to ask if there are any common faults that occur / anything I should look out for? I like to take care of my bikes and not only do checks or services when something goes wrong but instead more often to prevent things happening. I once had an S Wing 2014 (FES125) for some time and had major issues with the throttle body / ECU due to a design problem... Aside from that it was great but makes me think that every vehicle can inherit manufacturer faults! Will likely follow this video to check valve clearances over the summer. Thanks for sharing the details!

[@zooskifilms]

@Anthony Blair - I haven't seen many issues reported with the model year 2013. I had one recall on my 2015 related to the fuel pump, and I also had a leaking water pump within the first year of owning it. Both issues were taken care of by the dealer and I never had a problem since. I also have the same scooter in Thailand, but it's a 2014, and no issues at all! I find both Forza's extremely reliable. The Forza is also very easy to work on, so if anything does go awry I'm not too concerned about doing most repairs myself. But I would agree, I would assume every model bike has had some issues at some time, but overall I think Honda ranks up there. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Don't hesitate to ask any other questions, I own the service manual for the Forza and I suspect the 2013 model would be very close to the 2014-2015 models. Cheers!

[@Carlos-ew1wf]

Amazing job, thx

[@zooskifilms]

@Carlos-ew1wf - Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@123spleege]

Anyone dealing with the nylon rivet blues, the worthless, made-to-break plastic push pins,( yes they piss me off!),...here is a perfect replacement I found at O'Reilly's auto parts: Dorman part 963-405-D "GM SPLASH SHIELD PUSH RIVET". These fit perfectly. I didn't bother with reusing as most of mine just broke.

[@zooskifilms]

@David Westsmith - Thanks for the tip! I didn't have problems with those push pins as much as having problems with the panel clips that snapped off when removing the rear panel These are the ones that mate into plastic holder. You need to have a super delicate touch when removing that panel, and I don't have that kind of patience!

[@aaronharris5275]

I wonder what the symptoms are of poor valve clearances? I have a rattling exhaust and slightly shakey Forza 300 2018 model. I guess the procedure is similar for the newer model. Shame that if adjustment is needed new shims have to be purchased. I did the valve adjustments on a nc700 and it was just a case of using tools to tweak it.

[@zooskifilms]

@aaronharris5275 - Assuming the gap is larger than the spec, the acceleration would be sluggish. When you say "rattling exhaust", what do you mean by that? I assume the shakey-ness is vibration? At all revs or only a certain range? I checked the microfiche for the 2018 and they do use shims, but check the clearance spec, not sure if the same as the 2014-2015 models.

[@bikemancody2752]

Check out JIS screw drivers. Not the Phillips. Nice video!

[@zooskifilms]

@Bikemancody - Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been re-calibrated by a few viewers, will be adding them to my tool collection!

[@CACTUS48]

Hi, can you point out where the coolant bleed screw is, how do you get to it, my water pump cover gasket has a slow leak, I am going to change the coolant and replace the gasket. Going to use GM DexCool.

[@zooskifilms]

@CACTUS48 - The coolant bleed bolt can be accessed through the luggage box, there is an air bleed maintenance lid that you need to remove to access the bolt. Send me a PM if you need a photo of where it's located. Cheers!

[@tyuyf]

Incredibly helpful video. Thank you for the time you've put into this. May I ask what kind of drill tool you are using at 4:47?

[@zooskifilms]

@Tyuyf - Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm using a Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill. I also bought a set of metric nut driver for use with a drill to pull the nuts off. And sorry for the delay in responding, I've been battling the big bug for the past month. Cheers!

[@nemanjatosovic]

maybe a dumb question, how do you know which are the exhaust vs intake valves?

[@zooskifilms]

@Nemanja - It's a good and important question. I point out the intake and exhaust valves at the 10:45 mark. Normally you can just look at the cylinder, the part where the exhaust pipe connects to will be the exhaust side, the opposite will be the intake side. Good luck!

[@cakrawalajingga]

I like your video sir! Very thoroughly 👏 I better straight to mechanic,ha8

[@zooskifilms]

Thank you! I try to be as thorough as possible. Glad you liked it!

[@mariarinashailiejoyalmeda-9917]

Hi zooskifilms great video i have serviced the vlave clearance myself and i ended up changing the shim pads because theyre not in specs, now i am hearing a little bit of ticking noise is that normal?

[@zooskifilms]

@Maria Rina Shailiejoy Almeda-Monsod - Sorry to hear about that, I would suspect that isn't normal. Do you remember if the clearances with the old shims were below or above the spec? Did you go to a new thinner shim? It sounds like the clearance might be too large now, the ticking is normally from a. larger clearance gap.

[@pmay222]

nice one... i am close to getting a forza 300... but what is hindering my decision.... will it cruise comfortably at 70 mph on motorway/dual carriageway..? i dont really speed much but i dont want to buy a slug... im 17 stone.... and does it take a passenger without struggling.... i used to own piaggio x8 400... it was not too bad with passenger.... i like these honda's but dont want to buy a lemon thats un-suitable..... thanks

[@zooskifilms]

@pmay222 - I would answer with an emphatic "YES" to riding comfortably at 70mph. Some might disagree with that. My only concern was running the Forza at the high rpm's, but many people commented that these Honda engines are designed to run all day at high rpm's. I have taken my Forza on several long trips on highways. I also made a long trip with my wife in Thailand, 2-up and it performed brilliantly. That would be a total of about 370 lbs of passenger and luggage, 7 hours each way, we maxed out at about 60 mph on that trip (mainly due to my wife not wanting to go faster). Here is a link to that video on my other channel. It's not a Forza centric video, but it corroborates my comments. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5TCaJ2gjqucqdU. Cheers!

[@mattiaconti8885]

Great video! Does that apply for nss300ak (Forza 300 2019 for example) too?

[@zooskifilms]

@Mattia Conti - thanks for the comment! I think the engine is similar but the body is different. Once you remove the body panels I would expect it to be very close. Cheers!

[@mattiaconti8885]

@@zooskifilms thank you very much for the reply! Your videos are soo good!

[@dannyvan5792]

why not first deconnect the batt ?????

[@zooskifilms]

@Danny Van - that’s a good question and I assume you ask that so there’s no chance to start the engine while doing this job? For me I’m the only one in the garage and I take the key out of the ignition. It certainly is a good precautionary step. Thanks for commenting!

[@Gergus_]

Genial!!!!!! Gracias por el video

[@zooskifilms]

@Gs - gracias por el comentario y ver!

[@heinrichv6578]

Can you do a video of the sh mode 2021-2023?

[@zooskifilms]

@heinrichv6578 - I don't have access to that model, but if someone wants to bring one over happy to do it!

[@xxxxxtrojanxxxxx]

does same measurement applies to HONDA SH300 2017 ?

[@zooskifilms]

@Lak Abdel - According to this article, they are the same engine: www.motorscooterguide.net/honda-forza-nss300/

[@bikemancody2752]

Vessel JIS Drivers for those screws.

[@zooskifilms]

@Bikemancody - Thanks for the tip! I'll have to pick some of those up soon. Cheers!

[@audiophilipp]

At how much km have u cheked them ? Were the ok or out of spec ?

[@zooskifilms]

@audiophilipp - I checked mine at 10,000km, it was in spec. I think it will take a lot of km before they go out of spec, it's a Honda!

[@andrewgent9334]

They will not be PHILIPS screws, they are for mercun motor vehicles. Japanese bikes use either JIS or POZIDRIVE. Completely different

[@zooskifilms]

@Andrew Gent - Thanks for that. Funny, someone else just made the same comment on another Forza video. I never realized that. Will definitely pick one of each. Cheers!

[@Mansora117]

How often would I have to do this for my forza?

[@zooskifilms]

@James - the service manual states it should be checked every 16,000 miles or 25,600km. Hope this helps! Happy wrenching!

[@mattiaconti8885]

How often should this operation be performed? I know it depends on the type of use, but is there a rule of thumb?

[@zooskifilms]

@Mattia Conti - The manual states it should be inspected every 24,000 km (16,000 miles). I decided to check sooner (around 5,000 miles) to make this video. I hope this helps!

[@mattiaconti8885]

@@zooskifilms Thank you very much for the precious information! Really appreciated :) Love your videos!

[@muratozdamarr]

Hi sir How many kilometres it must be to do this?

[@zooskifilms]

@user-zb8em1mw2e - The service manual states- Inspect every 25,600km (or 16,000 miles). Hope this helps!

[@brettwicks2615]

Great Video , thanks , at what mileage did you do your valves ? Or what intervals do they need to be done ? Thanks .

[@zooskifilms]

@Brett Wicks - I did these valves at about 4,000 miles. I did it purely for making a how-to video (which a viewer requested ). The manual says they need to be checked every 16,000 miles. Some folks told me they checked them at over 60,000 miles and everything was in spec. Not that difficult a job to do, so I'll continue to check them at 16,000, then 32,000 and so on. Hope this helps!

[@brettwicks2615]

@@zooskifilms Thanks , looking forward to your next valve check video , Take care .

[@05attila]

From where can you buy those shims ?

[@zooskifilms]

@Attila Molnar - You can buy these from a Honda dealer, or any of the other motorcycle parts stores (online or brick and mortar). I've also seen them sold on Amazon and eBay, but I've seen many low quality products sold on both Amazon and eBay, so be careful. The main thing is to match the shim diameter (I measured 7.45mm, but the shims around 7.48-7.5mm will probably also work). I usually go with buying original Honda parts unless they are not available or over-priced. Hope this helps!

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

Try using a smaller magnetic pen next time. Also, you don't need to label them if you do them one at a time.

[@zooskifilms]

@user-ld6wo4rv8h - Thanks for the feedback and tips, great information for the community! Cheers!

[@jonathanrivera283]

How its the work if the engine have a valva tappet

[@zooskifilms]

@jonathanrivera283 - Do you mean if the engine has a tapping sound or to change or check the rocker arm? If the engine is making a tapping sound then this video shows how to check the valve clearance.

[@jonathanrivera283]

@@zooskifilms yes but its the procedure to adjust the valve clearance

[@trevbrown19]

Where did you get the luggage rack? I've been searching for one.

[@zooskifilms]

@Trevor Brown - I bought mine in Thailand. Not many options here in the US. I think it was about $90.

[@ROBERTBUDA-RBMV]

👍

[@zooskifilms]

@Robert Buda - Thanks for thumbs up! Cheers!😃

[@amaaralqraishy2180]

جميل جدآ تحياتي لك استاذ

[@zooskifilms]

اهلا صديقي

[@CACTUS48]

I will just use AMSOIL 10W-30 change every year...

[@zooskifilms]

@CACTUS48 - A good policy!

[@barneyrubble4827]

Great video but 20 minutes???😂

[@zooskifilms]

@barneyrubble4827 - Too short or too long? Haha!

[@exchiefkeith]

Way too much work to get to a simple valve check location. You just convinced me not to get this model. Good video though. Thanks!

[@zooskifilms]

@exchiefkeith - LOL, well that was an unintended consequence! Good luck in your search!