KX450F Valve Adjustment

Adjusting valves on a modern 4 stroke can be a scary task to think about but I hope I can show you that it isn't bad and you can save a bunch of money by doing it yourself.
Here are the tools I mentioned:
Timing cover tool: amzn.to/3c1PBgE
Grease Gun: amzn.to/3b7KBY1
Feeler Guages: amzn.to/2K3TQwt
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[@VincentAmbrosioSalad]

It could be your tip over sensor, fuel injection, maybe a valve/ timing issue. I’d start on the Tip over. Huge range start small and cheap and work your way to the spendy parts

[@GregDunn-p9k]

Enjoy watching your videos brother. Thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@rcpalmundo1176]

I have a Kx450f and when I turn it on it produces gray smoke, what is the problem?

[@danschultz3910]

Torqued to spec....with 18" extension, yikes

[@donshreeves8887]

Morgan I have a 2016 kx450f and I have a 4.5 on left intake!! My .003 goes in !! But the .004 won’t What size shim would go in !? My shop gave me the wrong ones!!! 😩Thanks

[@highlandcycles]

4.5?? Do you mean a 2.45 or a 1.45? I didn't think Shims came in a 4.50 that I know of. But assuming that it is a 4.50 then I would go with a 4.40. That will be a fuzz on the loose side but will work great.

[@donshreeves8887]

@@highlandcycles Thanks Morgan my uncle had a motorcycle shop here in Grand Junction it was called Highlander cycles and I did a little bit of mechanic it when I was in high school for him I don’t know why myshims say 4.3 and 4.5 I just assumed those were the clearance Measures that’s why I said that!! Thank you!!

[@jasonh.1648]

Thanks for your video. I have a kfx450r and looks the same. I've watched all the videos I can about the adjustment. My mechanic disappeared so I have to do it myself. I heard that these needs the lashes adjusted often. Is that true? Stock internals. I replaced everything else, the ecu, fuel pump, spark plug, relay, and battery. The new fuel pump kept popping fuses so replaced it again. My mechanic got it to start and idle briefly so that's good. It was gradually getting harder to start. When it started and I rode it, if it died it started back up fine. Then sometimes it would start to now where it doesn't start. I hope this will fix it. There aren't any shops around here that will work on it.

[@highlandcycles]

Man I don’t know. Sounds like you’ve done what you should.

[@jaime7890]

Hey Morgan!. I know that is a three year old video but I have a question: How many times it is safe to re-shim the valves? (I noticed that in the video you say that you shimmed that same bike before from a previous owner) Is there any way to check if valves are good to keep shimming them instead of having to buy new valves?

[@highlandcycles]

Good question. I don’t have a perfect answer but I’d say after the third time you’ll probably need to replace the valves

[@joslinnick]

Is it true that once a bike needs a valve adjustments, it'll keep requiring a valve adjustment every 15 or so hours? I read that there is a hard outer layer on the Titanium valves, and once that layer gets worn through, the softer metal starts wearing at a much faster rate.

[@highlandcycles]

That is true of bikes with ti valves. Sometimes it’s faster than that and sometimes slower but yes, once that coating wears off (usually caused by poor air filter maintenance) they will wear quickly.

[@josephmcgriff7452]

You can just tell when I guy knows what he’s doin.

[@UtahValleyRCCrawlers]

Quick question ive got a 2007 kx450 and the book calls for Intake 0.10mm-0.15mm and im measuring 0.16mm should i call it good? Also exhaust calls for 0.17-0.22mm and im measuring 0.28mm so guessing i definitely need to at least shim the exhaust or should i run it?

[@highlandcycles]

I’d run the intakes but I’d adjust the exhaust

[@UtahValleyRCCrawlers]

@@highlandcycles okay thats what i ended up doing so glad to hear that. Thanks and thanks a ton for this video. Saved me a ton of headache doing this job. I subscribed.

[@rainzbesto2711]

How much should it cost for a shop to do a valve adjustment for your bike. I just want to know so i don’t get scammed when i do mine?

[@highlandcycles]

About $150 or 1.5 hrs

[@marcosrodriguez987]

Thanks would that cause the bike to start for a few seconds only then takes a long time to start again?

[@highlandcycles]

Could be

[@ken4carver]

Thank You sooo much. Next job on the 08 KLX450R

[@jnrgriessel1340]

I have one as well a 08 klx450r

[@450motodog8]

I just reshmed the valves all my '09 RMZ 450 race bike

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome

[@magayvermotos]

Queri aprender mais sobre esse motor

[@oldfellafpv7770]

Bad earth on the ktm under seat

[@TheBros-tv6ii]

Thanks man I have to do this soon as the shims come in the mail. And it helped me get a better understanding of doing the valve adjustment on the kx450f. Let's hope I get it right

[@STIZEN9]

brother great tech tip with the zip tie! those zip ties are so useful. I noticed sometimes your having to do things one handed. Have you considered a head mounted setup? It might be awkward at first, but Im thinking something that you can attach when doing hands on footage ( so that you can use both of your hands), and then detach when you want to go handheld and do face to face footage. Now I am pretty sure your using some type of gimbal, and I know nothing about gimbals... So that might make this idea a little more of a challenge, as far as being able to do all of what I was talking about, but still have non vibrating super smooth footage all at the same time. What im trying to say is your videos are awesome, and maybe there is a way to make them better for yourself and for the viewer. either way, Im still subscribed starting this video.

[@jm1979mx]

I just used your zip ty on the intake cam chain connection for a Country boys 2015 kx 450 👍 It worked sweet. It took me 3 times to get them just right. Excellent tip 👌 Maryland Patriot Thank Q ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@highlandcycles]

Nice work!

[@davehall8885]

By far the most informative video I’ve watched so far in my search

[@highlandcycles]

Good to hear

[@450motodog8]

My wife makes custom stickers if you're interested and custom t-shirts I can send you custom-made 450 and 250 with CC logo numbers for dirt bikes if you think people would buy them you also make you custom company T-shirts

[@kellylargent2634]

I was on my 14 450f today for hours.

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome

[@carloszapata7322]

Hi Morgan how ypu doing i hot kx 450 f 2011 and coolant ir os evaporatin for the drain hose after 20 min the star it and loose smoke for the same hose. What could be? Thankntpu for your help

[@highlandcycles]

Seth is right

[@carloszapata7322]

@Seth'sChopShop thank

[@eliandrew4917]

Can you post a pic of that same bike . A pic of the cam lobes directio. When its TDC.? I think I have a spun cam gear but not exactly sure how to tell.

[@highlandcycles]

Sorry but it’s gone.

[@eliandrew4917]

@@highlandcycles would you witch direction the lobes should face ?

[@highlandcycles]

@@eliandrew4917 at top dead center compression they should be facing up and out

[@eliandrew4917]

Be my issue. Intake is faceing down bout 430 o ckock

[@highlandcycles]

@@eliandrew4917 Yeah thats no good

[@bblover4ever1984]

Bro THANKYOU so much for your content. You are awesome. Just picked up a 2017 kx 450 and the previous owner did not do the top end and I wanted to do mine to rest easy. wanted to know what shim kit I should go with to have all that I need for this bike?

[@highlandcycles]

I like the hot cams kits

[@EnriqueValverdeAlpizar]

Gran video muchas gracias por compartir su conocimiento PURA VIDA saludos desde Costa Rica

[@highlandcycles]

Gracias

[@omarlzr]

Hey Morgan, I’m doing valve timing on my 09 kx450f unfortunately and I was wondering, it is suuuuuper super hard to loosen the cam chain tension with a flat blade, and I was wondering if I could just take the cam cover and buckets off without loosening the tension.

[@highlandcycles]

Got to take tension off the chain to get to the shims

[@coltonthompson1844]

I’m clean down to 165 on my shims on my 06 I’m guessing it’s time for valves

[@highlandcycles]

Probably close. I’d order them now

[@chrisrevell2709]

Coffee was also used as a stimulate during the war.👍

[@brucepeters508]

leave the kids mail alone its his mail !

[@greerjohnathon07]

I really appreciate it my bike is now running great and I am subscribed

[@highlandcycles]

Welcome aboard!

[@ronaldsmith3449]

Hey Morgan. Hello from Newfoundland Canada. Great vid and well explained. I'm saving this vid for when I do my kx450. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome! Thanks man. Do you know the band Great Big Sea? I think they are from the tropical island of Newfoundland too!

[@ronaldsmith3449]

@@highlandcycles hahaha.... yes I know Allan Doyle. He's the front man for 'Great Big Sea' I met him a few times. Real cool guy. As for the "tropical" island comment.... that hilariously funny. Weather there is crap. When you ask people in St. John's what they do for a living in the winter, they reply... "leave" (meaning vacation in the southern climate) lol.

[@ronaldsmith3449]

@@highlandcycles this is my first kx450f. I'm kinda old skule 2-stroke guy. I miss that sound and smell of the bikes. I was never convinced that a 4-stroke would make it in the mx world but I hear lots of good things like low end torque a d little vibration. I remember back in the day the CR's and the CanAm's TNT and MX 6 would vibrate crazy. I recently bought an older 1998 cr250r and shortly after I bought a kx450f. I got a deal on the '06' kx450f because it wouldn't start easily. The guy i bought it from tells me the valves need to be done, hence checking out your video. Kx250 was always my dream bike. That was early 80's. Yeah I'm like old skule.... just turned 56 and still love those bike and other toys. Also have 2 seadoo's and perhaps your other guy who like the 4 wheelers would like my arctic cat 700 TRV quad. Their fun too. Im always at my toys as a machinist and a millwright. Anyways man.... thanks for the reply. Great hearing from you. Stay awesome.

[@highlandcycles]

@@ronaldsmith3449 love it

[@highlandcycles]

@@ronaldsmith3449 thanks. I’m a die hard 2 stroke guy myself

[@stringbender247]

I'm sure it is but would it be the same steps/sequence for my 2016 KX450F? Just realized I worded that message completely wrong LOL. My bad i figured out my mistake

[@highlandcycles]

You are right. It is the same

[@stringbender247]

Awesome I appreciate your help! I don't mean to be a pest but can I trouble you with one more question? I know I'm completely over thinking the feeler guages and could really use some help. My intake should be 0.10mm - 0.15mm and I can get the 10 under both with just a smidge of tension and my exhaust should be 0.17mm - 0.22mm and I don't have a 17 in my set but I can barely get a 0.18mm under one and it won't fit under the other? Stumped in TN. I'm not even trying to get free help ill PayPal you or anything else I just have mentally hit a wall.

[@jacobgomer]

how much would you typically charge for something like this? i don't wanna be jipped lmao

[@highlandcycles]

1.5 hrs at 90/hour

[@ryanoborn602]

Thanks for your video about valve adjustment on the KX450. I have a 16' KX450F. I measured the valve clearances and they are all in spec however it is still having starting issues. Anything else I can check? Most of the time it starts on 2nd or 3rd kick but when it does start if I kill the engine within the 1st minute or so it can be super hard to restart. Last weekend after letting it set for an hour or so it wouldn't start again. Bike has 95hrs on engine.

[@highlandcycles]

Huh, I would check the fuel pressure

[@ryanoborn602]

@@highlandcycles Thank you. I'll look into that. Really appreciate you responding.

[@andrewmitchell2189]

Have you ever had an issue with a decompresson spring breaking on one of these? I think that's what the issue is on a friends bike and I would love an expert opinion. It has a fresh top end rebuild and not even an hour on it. It is super hard to kick on the compression stroke and then gets easier when its not on the compression stroke. Any advice is appreciated and I am happy to give more information, Thanks!

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t had that happen. Going to have to take the valve cover off.

[@andrewmitchell2189]

@@highlandcycles yeah I’m definitely going to check that. The motor seems pretty tight so that’s why I thought it might have something to do with the decompression spring.

[@djcconstruction8189]

I like the ziptie idea👍🏻and the 2 stroke tech tip even more🤣

[@highlandcycles]

Hahaha!

[@kodyyfanta]

Hey how’s it going Morgan keep up the great shlog videos great content you putting out . Very informative

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrfaceforest]

Excellent video!!! Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to show us this!

[@highlandcycles]

You bet

[@lennicopeland781]

I love these vids I’m learning alot

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome

[@opreese]

Back in the late 70s to mid 80s I rode deckers and rampart range a lot. Coal creek was awesome. Raced a few enduros boot hill nm, binkleman nebraska. Rode with Brian and Blain Davis, Jammy Thompsom.

[@justinduncan2480]

Let me throw this at you...'09 KX450F...one exhaust valve measures .288mm. It has a 2.30mm shim. Pull the shim out, install a 2.40mm ship. Clearance is now .384mm. I pulled the shim back out to measure it again and it is 2.4mm. Reassembly by the book. Still .384mm clearance. I pushed on the bucket a few times to make sure it wasn't stuck or something. Same measure. How can you explain looser tolerance with a taller shim? I have some theories but I don't like any of them...

[@highlandcycles]

That doesn't make any sense unless you have a slightly bent valve but that should have stayed constant. You need to measure the height of the bucket from the machined part of the head where the spring sits and see if it is way different from the other one. Or just take the head off. Was it running well?

[@justinduncan2480]

@@highlandcycles No it didn't run well. It was hard to start and low power when it did run. Couldn't get it to move under it's own power at all. Demonstrated "dirty carburetor" symptoms all around. Suspect fuel pump, it's leaking down the line when disconnected. Thought to check valves while at it, intakes were ridiculous at .348 and .403, exhausts weren't as wild at .275 and .288. New shims closed all the gaps handsomely except the one that some how got bigger with a bigger shim.

[@highlandcycles]

@@justinduncan2480 man that is odd. My guess is that it needs to come apart

[@whoT00KmyNAME]

Making coffee... sees KONGO SHOCK sticker!!! Long live ska!!!

[@highlandcycles]

Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!

[@whoT00KmyNAME]

@@highlandcycles I don't know why I didn't see it before, but I can totally see it now!... you rocking some checkered pants with a flaming bowling shirt skankin' around 🤘🤣🤘

[@highlandcycles]

@@whoT00KmyNAME oh yeah. I even had a 79’ Vespa in college

[@gamabike_life4105]

Made me feel better working on the bike 💯 I would tip your bro 😎

[@highlandcycles]

Good to hear

[@1DJGRAY]

My exhaust cam when lined up the lobes are pointed up more than the inlet. I was worried the pulley has moved as it doesn't start easy. The dots was lined up correctly

[@commanderslag7724]

I NEED HELP!!!!. My counter shaft us dumping oil as fast as I can put it in! whats going on

[@highlandcycles]

Not sure. I’d start by replacing the seal, bushing and oring.

[@commanderslag7724]

@@highlandcycles I am on my third seal. I think there is small bur the aluminum. going to sand it and try again

[@limitedslipautomotive]

Do you have any tips to remedy pad slap on an 06 kx450?

[@highlandcycles]

Pad slap??

[@limitedslipautomotive]

@@highlandcycles The brake pads are “loose” by 1mm. Every rotation of the wheel they click.

[@goranbalkebo3140]

hey from sweden i like your vid i did chance the piston on a kawa 450kx 2016 strange but the shimms did not fit to clearenc how can it not fit just put a new piston in do you know mabey sorry for the spelling thanks

[@highlandcycles]

Huh. Did you take the valves out to put new seals in? If so they can seat differently when re installed. Also, did you check them before?

[@goranbalkebo3140]

@@highlandcycles thanks for geting back no i did not take the valvs out nor buckets thats is strange for me the shims wold be in my mind ok just put cam back timming is spot on stil i hade to get a new shim on the left valv intake all the valv on intake and exuhst was ok right was 15mm left 15 after the new shim exhust 20mm on both sides thanks for replay

[@goranbalkebo3140]

yes i did check them before the valvs that is what i think is strange just 1 valv did not have right clearens

[@stigon2wheelsuk380]

Great video, gave me the confidence to do it myself, thanks dude 👍

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome man

[@jimeavenson209]

Thanks boss very helpful

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome

[@TheLove2landscape]

Great video as always! Just wondering does the KX have titanium intake valves and they are wearing the seats causing the valves to get tight? Thanks!

[@highlandcycles]

It does have ti valves. The seats don’t generally wear, it’s normally the valve face that wears, making the valve suck up into the head and get tight.

[@kellylargent2634]

What years my 14 kx have ti vavles ?

[@vince5946]

Great vid once again! I really enjoy your content, keep up the good work.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks.

[@robmccauley1073]

Thy hair, your looking like the Wolverine! Lol

[@highlandcycles]

Haha. I know

[@seancarr9907]

Grease gun ordered. Looks really handy

[@highlandcycles]

So handy.

[@LifeInTheDirt]

I studied this video a hundred times, which gave me the courage to give it a shot on my 2011 KX 450. The bike won. Two issues I can’t figure out 1. The outter cam cover bolts are snapping at less than 5 pounds of torque. I tested the torque wrench with others, it’s accurate. 2. The bike now has so much compression, I can’t move the kick starter. I checked all the TDC marks, they’re right on. I’m lost

[@highlandcycles]

Dang man. I can't say what is wrong from here unfortunately but something is off for sure.

[@opreese]

U guys ride woodland park

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t

[@450motodog8]

See a lot of stickers with the CC markings on dirt bikes and I think people would like that

[@highlandcycles]

CC?

[@450motodog8]

@@highlandcycles cubic inch 250or450

[@450motodog8]

@@highlandcycles my wife makes custom stickers and t-shirts company for company's or whatever

[@450motodog8]

@@highlandcycles if you can sale 250 or 450 or what ever size bikes decal stickers

[@THEBOILEDONE]

How much do you charge for this? How much for a top end rebuild on this same bike? Thanks.

[@highlandcycles]

Valve check is 90. Adjustment is 135 Rebuild is $540 plus parts

[@THEBOILEDONE]

How many hours does it take to rebuild the top end?

[@JR_stunts]

Chris Stewart I’ll rebuild your top end for 250

[@awizzle727]

I do top end rebuilds for $3-400, but I have an AC business in Florida and do most of my builds during winter as a hobby when its slow season. Highland does this full time to put food on his table, and his prices/experience are completely justified. I charge less because my turnover takes a bit longer due to running my primary business. You're paying to get your bike back quick and done correctly...

[@joseciuro2376]

Ever tried kratom?? Its from the coffee family and has really really good uses depending on the dose. Little late on here but really appreciating this videos man thanks for the content! Cheers!

[@highlandcycles]

I haven’t.

[@joseciuro2376]

@@highlandcycles i recommend it for long days of work works great for exhaustion too. You just mix it with water and ready to go.

[@joseciuro2376]

@@highlandcycles i have some doubts on the valve clearances. Do they have to be the same measure each one? Or can one from the intake be for example .004 and the other one from the intake too .005?

[@highlandcycles]

@@joseciuro2376 it’s ok if they are different as long as they are within spec

[@joseciuro2376]

@@highlandcycles you saved me a headache! Thanks for the help! You have an excellent one!

[@Jorgem1010]

Is there such thing as over tightening cam caps and cams are hard to turn?

[@highlandcycles]

Yes. That’s why I always use a torque wrench on those.

[@Jorgem1010]

@@highlandcycles thanks for reply. I’ll check in the morning. Just did a full rebuild, piston new cylinder new valves by a machine shop. New gaskets everything is timed. It’s just hard to kick over. Timing is perfect I’m getting spark I tried starter fluid and no luck on getting it started. Piston rings were installed correctly. I think this could be it. I’ll try in the morning

[@highlandcycles]

@@Jorgem1010 good luck

[@anthonyeskins791]

Brilliant content.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks

[@aaronliebe4303]

Awesome video man, so in depth and informative, completely took my bike from not being able to start, running like hell with the valves completely out of spec to adjusting the valves and timing the bike (after skipping a couple teeth without realizing I hadn’t reapplied tension) and my bike starts right up and runs perfect now, all without any experience tearing into a motor, keep up the good work, you earned my subscription 10 times over.

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome man!!!

[@diegosabogalllanos920]

Hey morgan how are you. I have question i got kx 450f 2009 this one when star at the 3 min the pipe is very hot in the exit engine. do you think it could be the valves? what will advice me? Thank you for your videos

[@highlandcycles]

It is probably because it is too lean on the pilot circuit. Does it pop on deceleration?

[@diegosabogalllanos920]

@@highlandcycles i gonna check thank for help me

[@diegosabogalllanos920]

@@highlandcycles Thank you. I think the problem is solved. The pipe engine exit doesnt red hot. But this feel a little bit hot, is normaly or is better adjust valves whit your normas -4 in the shims

[@siaknijustin]

The most important tech tip ever given @ 19:17!

[@highlandcycles]

siaknijustin that’s what I’m saying! 😂🤣

[@rupertturner7311]

i rode 2 strokes all my life and there great but i rebuilt them more often then 4 strokes and I'm starting to like 4 strokes just add gas no mixing and loving the torque on my kx450f but the 2 stroke powerbands do kick ass

[@jeanmeacheletienne2394]

U crazy dude

[@highlandcycles]

Huh?

[@jeanmeacheletienne2394]

@@highlandcycles how can u guess smh

[@highlandcycles]

@@jeanmeacheletienne2394 When the clearance is zero (ie, no feeler gauge will go) you have to guess at a shim so you can get a measurement and then do math if you need to.