KTM RFS Valve Adjustment

[@nafealmadhoeban5973]

I found this video in 2024 after screwing up the valve adjustment on my KTM 2003 540 SXS. Causing my engine to loose compression & the bike to not start. I just gave up & found this GEM. Used your method to find TDC. Performed the adjustment with the 1/6th method & VOILA the engine popped up with one kick & roars like a beast. My gratitude to you. If you are ever in Suriname ,I got the first round.

[@ClintonWaters]

Thanks mate! I had you set up on my workbench and paused it each step of the way. Too easy once I worked out TDC. Cheers Clint Melb Australia

[@vafireman21]

Thanks for the video. Just finished up a valve adjustment on a 05 450EXC. Only thing I struggled with was getting the engine in the correct position to measure each valve but I figured it out. When the valves are closed you can loosen up the adjusters and the lifters will move slightly.

[@Sruikyl]

Good video other than the part about the correct TDC (one without overlap). Rolling the wheel FORWARDS would open the exhaust (post power stroke getting ready to expel the gas) . Rolling the wheel BACKWARDS would open the intake valve. (pre power stroke). This is for the power stroke TDC. (where both valves are completely closed).

[@bobbymiele1]

+Sruikyl, so are you saying that when you roll the wheel forward and it opens the exhaust and when you roll it backwards would open up the intake valve that is when you are in TDC

[@Sruikyl]

+bobby miele Yes, what I did was draw the 4 strokes with the valves position at each stage on a piece of paper and use that to help you find it.

[@whatsit2ya247]

WTF are you talking about??

[@cuerammer]

Remove spark plug and slide a plastic straw into the chamber. (This will show when the piston is at TDC). Rotate wheel to where valves are operating and straw is at its highest point, (this is NOT TDC). Rotate slowly until straw goes down and back up ONCE. You should be able to wiggle your valve rockers and feel a little play/movement in them. THAT is TDC!

[@SHAMAN.VISION]

Well I hope this is the same procedure for an Lc4....I have used this twice now and am about to watch it again for my 3rd adjustment/inspection. I always forget how to find TDC +1 great video. Question: I called the dealer and he said that your way isnt the correct way. He said there is spring tension and you must not inspect. He said it will give a false reading. He said the only way is to smash the screw down on the guage and tighten? Any Thoughts? Im new to valves.

[@friendboy10]

Too easy. My 05' KTM 400 EXC wouldnt idle very well and the jetting had always been spot on carb was cleaned regularly. I had neglected my valves. They had been regularly adjusted by dealer under service plan during first few years, but for not since then. This video was spot on. I didnt even have a gage and did it using his 1/6th of a turn method. Bike back to purring like a tiger. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

My 525exc is idling and running like doodoo. I hope this helps!

[@kaytee4863]

Thanks once again brilliantly executed tutorial from here in 🇬🇧

[@JohnJernigan95]

Good stuff!!! Easy explanation and thorough! Thank you!

[@racefactory900]

Hey there, thanks a lot for the video. I have a question; do ktm RFS clutches usually have a bit of drag on them when you have it in gear with clutch in? My bike wants to creep forward. Thanks.

[@natesiegwart1264]

My 525exc does

[@storken756]

@@natesiegwart1264 U answered 8 years later hahaha

[@charrlots]

This is the best how to still to date. Thanks

[@luisgonzales3629]

Yo you the man just did my water pump thanks for your help love this bike

[@DoubleT90T]

Ride All Day! great vid.

[@csedan510]

Great video. No yacking, right to the job.

[@RussSavage]

thanks for this video! great information, clear instructions.

[@tylervosters3234]

Great video! Just confused because when I rotate the wheel forward my exhaust valves start to open and when I rotate the wheel backwards my intake valves start to open which is opposite of what's in the video. I can't see the guy actually rotating the wheel, so I'm wondering if he said it wrong. Or if there is an easier way to find TDC.

[@Avacado4147]

Having the same scenario with my 525

[@tuttavelocita]

Same scenario with my 525 as well.

[@cuerammer]

Remove spark plug and slide a plastic straw into the chamber. (This will show when the piston is at TDC). Rotate wheel to where valves are operating and straw is at its highest point, (this is NOT TDC). Rotate slowly until straw goes down and back up ONCE. You should be able to wiggle your valve rockers and feel a little play/movement in them. THAT is TDC!

[@ghittner]

Thank you, we ALL appreciate it Travis....

[@BudziStrachTaNazwa]

thanks broo :D Gretings from Poland

[@jayinla228]

***FOR EVERYONE ASKING WHATS DIFFERENT FOR 03+ MODELS***** he said- The proceedure is no diferent for the 03 450sx and 03+ 525sx. The thing with those years and bikes are the spring retainers are different and puts a bind on a feeler gauge. So on those years and models-- or any year with the conical valve springs The 6th turn method works better

[@pimstolk]

PhatJay still not completely sure what you mean. Could you clarify?

[@cuerammer]

@@pimstolk For RFS "SX" models that have "conical" valve springs, (cone shaped springs), it is more accurate to adjust your valves using "the 1/6th turn method" than using a feeler gauge at all, due to spring retainers interfering with feeler gauge accuracy.

[@jzventurez4561]

you rock dude, thanks for explaining tdc and overlap

[@billybearuk]

Great vid, thanks. (I've got a feeling it will take me slightly longer!).

[@jeffunruh4912]

thanks for the vid. Excellent tips and tricks

[@HuskySMS4]

Hi mate good video thanks, my hearing isnt that good did you say this wont work on the EXC525 because this is the way iv been doing mine :s bit worried that i have been doing it wrong

[@roninMusa]

Hello My bikes starts verry fast not problem with it , but I noticed a little acceleration when I stop to accelerate is like the rpm stays the same even when I stop The acceleration, but not much just a both high and then is back to normal when i touch it again, should i do a valve clearance or it can be the throttle sensor , is a ktm525 exc 2003

[@smallsBIGGIE]

What is the difference on the 03+ 525 sx models? He says its a little different for these models?

[@michaelovitch]

Hi. Is a lc4 640 sm could be used for a daily driver ?

[@blase9090]

of course

[@gilmouma]

@Megatron6669 The 300xc is a two stroke... Therefore no valves... Only reed

[@Avacado4147]

I've been having issues with my 05 525 sx. I need to know the differences

[@MitchelCosta]

What do you have to do differently to the 03 450? Thats the bike I have and want to attempt this, but don't want to mess it up. Thanks for your time.

[@XsSpeed1]

You ever get a answer? I'm in the same boat.

[@markreynolds8459]

How did you guys do I have the same bike and just did it.

[@pgreenlaw85]

Will this proicedure work with the new KTM 525xc quad?? Please get back to me asap!

[@Roadified]

It was hard to find correct TDC for me. Also the 1/6 turn method gives less than 0.10mm clearance to me, which should be 0.12mm. I guess 0.02~ mm is not an issue?

[@ZedMisfit]

I have a Feeler gauge that i think is ITL brand. It says on one end .005 if I flip on that end says .13, on the other end it says .004 if I flip it, it says .10 Why would they round up the number is my question? Especially if something is call for .12

[@timilze]

does this work on my 2005 525 exc? it's look same...

[@damianbrennan2258]

Do u work on dam pumps Harleys

[@michaelmadsen8578]

Thanks for the video! I will be using these tips!

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Did these tips work for you?

[@cblodge42]

I have a 2003 450 sx, can I do it this way?

[@Foxbodyguy91]

My bike has been down for weeks because I've been having trouble locating shim sizes..... JOKES ON ME! 🤣🤣

[@tuduff]

My friend I've got a trouble with that. The intake valves are too tight. Screw down hit the valve and screw up hit the limit of the rockers. What should I do?

[@patvincefeder7057]

It sounds like you're not in the right part of the stroke...once you're at the point in the stroke as described in the video...roll wheel forward and exhaust valves should move down & intake valves should open up to allow for adjusting. I also took my spark plug out and could visually confirm that the piston was at Top Dead Center

[@tuduff]

that's the issue, the lifts are totally open and the crank is locked at tdc..... sounds weird because the engine is standard and the valves should seating correctly. Possibly the intake valves seat is too worn and it needs a new lap =(

[@cuerammer]

@@tuduff The stock RFS Intake valves were made from a "softer" steel than the exhaust valves, causing them to "mushroom" on their hard seats. They needed frequent adjusting, and most ran out of adjustment way too early! Stock intake valves only last approx 150-250 hrs! Replace your intake valves with "Kibblewhite" valves and you hardly ever need to adjust them! Always CHECK them at the correct hour intervals though.

[@3bdouglas]

Great video! Thanks!!

[@johnstrat1927]

Would this work on an 06' 560 SMR? Thanks in advance!

[@Antanies]

johnstrat1927 all rfs

[@jimperrin2870]

I like the info 😄👌

[@JimmyJammer1]

Does the work on a 07 450exc

[@jimmywalker4334]

Why won't this work on a 03 525sx? Or will it?

[@peterkolu]

thanks Travis

[@TacoSupreem]

When I try this my wheels won't turn unless I pull the clutch. Then with clutch pulled the engine doesn't rotate? 450 atv

[@romisori2224]

so it works on lc4 or not ?

[@Matthew521MC]

Too easy, thanks for the great video!

[@sobekkk]

yes, it works

[@komicharli]

BEAUTIFU SERVICE !

[@Megatron6669]

I was trying to do this on my 300xc but I can't seem to find the valves, anywhere. WTF?

[@benchapman9933]

i hope you're joking...

[@fastnlow557]

@@benchapman9933 me too ahahah

[@SashaPave]

thanks for the vid!

[@Lotuswolf14]

You can do an LC4 the exact same way

[@SuperbikeCoach]

i realized a loss of power of my ktm450smr 2004. any ideas besides valve adjustment?

[@ericst.martin1187]

iv watched this 10 times and still dont get how he got to the rignt location

[@nepicness]

It's easier to visualize if you take the spark plug out and stick a long zip tie in it and watch the piston go up and down, the up position where the valves don't move much if you turn the wheel some (the play he's talking about) then just turn the wheel so the zip tie is at its highest point.

[@headshot777]

would this process work on a 1995 620 rxc?

[@dougkamicar7099]

Same procedure different Specs ( .004 i think ... and might be different intake to exhaust ) check your book... been a while since i had that bike...

[@bigmike690smc]

great video, doesn't look to bad at all..

[@simbotist]

The part about TDC doesn't make sense, can't see what the valves are doing.

[@1727267241]

i cant move my back wheel at all whit a gear in. to heavy. i hawe a ktm 525sx

[@Lotuswolf14]

Your dealer just wants to get your money

[@woodsrider117]

@Megatron6669 You got ripped off!!!! They stole your valves!!!

[@polini2007]

5 Thousanths of an Inch = 0.127MM :-)

[@Lotuswolf14]

yes its the exact same motor

[@theninja001]

Camera guy and light guy fail

[@SebastianAdamski83]

Fortunately "sound" guy did a good job :D

[@danielcastaneda8721]

Poor camera work.