RSV4 Valve check, Part4

[@ninjabortion]

This video series is really motivating me to go ahead and adjust my valves again while i've got all the body work off... I learned a few tricks watching you that still apply to my old school screw and locknut adjusters on my 86 VFR.

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope I can help. Check out the rebuild videos of my '86/'93 VFRR

[@ninjabortion]

I actually found your channel when your VFRR was posted up for sale, didn't think to scroll back and see the rebuild videos. I'll check em out. Always enjoy watching videos of guys work on stuff i'm not familiar with who explain the process. I get the gist of shim and buckets now, even though i'm not sure i'll buy a bike with em i should be able to help a friend in the future if they need it. Lots of little tips i picked up on, would have never thought to put calipers on a stand for instance.

[@comfysofa1549]

Mines just going in for its valve check now....ive stripped the bike to the top of the engine to make it a bit cheaper....however looking at your vid theres a fair few specialist tools that you need plus a shed load of knowledge also! and room to spread everything out also - something I don't have (a small single garage and 4 bikes in there!!)Ive just found this from a link on the af1 forum. I think my night is taken up getting through your site! Very much appreciated - keep'em coming

[@ShaunNielsen]

glad I can help. I've had plenty of practise, I started on single cylinder bikes. The specialist tools accumulate slowly and they always pay for themselves.

[@goducgo]

Selling Tuono Factory. Keeping Ducati. Ducati much easier and longer Maintenance intervals. I applaud you sir. Great Video for Aprilia owners.

[@Tdfries]

Hey Shaun. Doing this for the first time and I found a tip for you (if you still have the RSV4). You don't need the degree wheel or to check the piston TDC to line up the crank divet. All you need to do is watch the cam markings until the 3 dots are lined up where they need to be and voila, your crank divet is lined up to lock/locate! I learned this when I found the divet and locked it but noticed my cams markings weren't lined up, hence I was 180 degrees off!

[@ShaunNielsen]

Great tip, thanks.

[@sk2283]

Excellent video, you sir are a highly competent mechanic :-) On my 3rd RSV4 now (just got a 17 RF), been riding them for nearly 6 years luckily without incident, my dealer had previously quoted around £1000 for this job on my 1st RSV4 Factory so I changed it for an APRC ABS model instead figuring the £1000 is better going onto a new bike, but seeing this I think dealers are heavily overcharging, you have taken the time to video and explain thoroughly whats happening and still done it in half a day, The RSV4 is amazing and I love it but will also be test riding a Ducati V4 when its time to change. well done mate

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks SK. I too will be looking very carefully at the Duc V4. This is my last aprilia.

[@sk2283]

I've now test ridden the new Ducati V4 and it is epic !! keeping my Ape for another year at least but I think I'll be having one of those damn Ducati's next!

[@ShaunNielsen]

Lucky!

[@Shimmoda]

Great video! looking forward to the next one! Still confused why my dealer said it would take 10 hours of work when you're doing it in less than half the time lol

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks MB. This is actually my first time doing it on an RSV4, but I would say in total it has taken me 6 hours to finish adjusting all the valves. I just need to reassemble now and I'm done. I took a little extra time to make and modify some special tools, and the first time always takes longer.

[@mcprocrastinator7921]

Strange muscle biker, my dealer told me 5-6 hours cost of $700 approx, thats in NZ on a 2015 Tuono factory.

[@Shimmoda]

Do you have width measurements on those timing and crankshaft pins? AF1racing doesnt have them in stock and paying 110$ for two pins is crazy lol

[@MrMetal4you]

Nice video! thanks for the info. I wish you lived near by I would pay you to adjust my valves on my Aprilia. I do not trust my dealer.

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@it.dmitriy697]

Super helpful videos as I’ve been doing this on my Tuono. However after putting the rear bank together I’ve noticed my rear cam chain is pretty loose. I can see the tensioner isn’t fully compressed. Any suggestions on how to get it to fully click in and then click out?

[@ShaunNielsen]

The tensioner is actuated by oil pressure and wont tension the chain until the engine is running. When you first start the motor you can hear a loud clicking noise - thats the chain. When oil pressure builds, the clicking stops. Thats when the tensioner fully clicks in.

[@eseparanoiac]

Hi! Sorry, I do not speak English. What is the compatible pill case with our rsv4? Is it good for a 2018 rsv4? I am going to carry out the adjustment soon and I would like to have a briefcase with many adjustment pad measures so as not to have to ask the dealer one by one and have to wait weeks with the bike stopped. Do you know the size, name or reference of the box or motorcycles that use the same? Thanks

[@bornriko74]

What's good Shaun? I tried this on my 2016 Tuono. I ran into a few problems with the cams seating and the clearances when I tighten the two cam towers (as the manual stated it). Can you assist me off line? I tried emailing you on the matter a few months ago.

[@BRG-1]

Hey Shwan How you been, i had forgoten you where Mr Aprila and thanks for doing this video, is there a place to get a kit with all the tools needed to adjust the vales, yes i saw the tool did not fit :-)

[@ShaunNielsen]

Hi KC. The best place to go for the tools is AF1 in Austin.

[@DzikiYZFR1]

How to load cam chain tensioner after replacing camshaft? In service manual is special tool to do that but there isn't any procedure.

[@ShaunNielsen]

I'll be doing this work when I replace the heads. I dont know when I'll be doing this though, good used parts are hard to find. I'll post on here when I get started.

[@mikef1411]

awesome videos!

[@danamaxwell2776]

Hi Shaun, In Part 4 you removed the cam gear bolts from the camshaft and then installed and used the cam holding tool. In part 5, it appears that you remove the second bolt after the tool is installed. Which approach is preferred and why?

[@ShaunNielsen]

As long as the crank lock is installed it doesn't matter which order you remove the bolts. The can sprockets are locked in place and the cam position is referenced so they are safe to remove.

[@akshayd82]

Instead of the clumsy aprilia tool, why can't you use just regular heavy duty zip ties to hold the cam gear to the chain?

[@ShaunNielsen]

The tool holds the sprocket in place while the cam is removed. Even though the tool is poorly made and needs modification before it can be used, once its fixed it works well and holds the sprocket in place accurately and securely. Using this tool - or one like it - is the only way this job is possible.

[@mikepamplin9517]

@@ShaunNielsen do you have measurements for this tool so I could make one before I strip my engine down?

[@fideljuares539]

Amigo soy de México espero me puedas ayudar en el orden de encendido de las bobinas estoy batayando sinceramente por el orden intenta arrancar .. pero los cilindros traseros no me dan

[@fideljuares539]

De favor amigo esque la verdad la compré desarmada soy mecánico pero sinceramente en mi país no es muy común reparar está moto

[@octane_ape]

Question.. would I need to lock the engine and use the special cam shaft tool to replace the o-rings in the cam caps? Even if I remove one cam cap at time. Very useful vids!

[@ShaunNielsen]

Which o-rings are you referring to? Why do you need to replace them? If you dont need to remove the cams you shouldnt need the cam sprocket removal tool.

[@octane_ape]

@@ShaunNielsen It was the cam o-rings that needed replacement. Did it all without any special tools. Appreciate the reply though!

[@jonathanhull8492]

First things first thank you for the content, I recently purchased an rsv4. But I have to ask, what artist are you listening to at around the 15:20 mark 😅

[@ShaunNielsen]

That would be Nickelback

[@kerrymurray3301]

Shaun - a GREAT set of video's.. my RSV4 is on 7500miles (2015 model) and I have wrongly let it go this far without checking the valves..... after doing several cam belts, chains and checking valves on CARS and your outstanding video I am going to bite the bullet and check my valves myself...if they need adjusting I will check, recheck etc and write it down......one question... the shim kit I see you using.. is it the HOT CAMS Valve Shim Kit 1.72-2.60MM 8.90mm O.D. or an Aprilia specific?

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks Kerry. I used the HotCams 8.9mm shim kit. Theres a full description of all the tools i used here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDHnq18nNN9b5Y

[@cvasold]

Hey Shaun, Did you ever go over showing how to remove the throttle bodies? I've got a 2013 Tuono and that part has me stymied. I see you have regular screw type clamps on your intake boots instead of the factory compression clamps. I cant figure out how to get access to those clamps to remove the throttle bodies.

[@ShaunNielsen]

The single use clamps aprilia install at the factory have to be cut off and cant be reused. AF1 sells a kit of hose clamps that will replace all these single use ones. When access is tight, slip a small screwdriver into the clamp, twist, and it will pop off.

[@redbull69cl]

Ive seen this exact bike blow engines a lot, as well as other issues. And I live in America where Italian superbikes are not common, parts are not easy to come by. But I do not want your average R1 or CBR, so common over here its insane. BMW isn't an option and Ducati is too expensive for me right now. Aprilia looks nice and prices are great but I'm not sure about the mechanical issues.

[@samiam5697]

Hi Shaun. Recently sub'd because of the Aprilia. So, I'm seriously looking at the RSV4 RR. I realize that checking valves is a normal process to go through but I've watched some of your other videos including the disassembly of the engine that grenaded. Does the Aprilia seem to have more issues i.e. motors going up in smoke, valves needing adjustment after 3K miles, etc. more than most? I'm not capable of doing much of what you are doing with my experience (mainly because I'm scared of screwing up an $18K bike) so I can imagine my shop bill with Aprilia. Maybe I need to not be looking at the Italian bike vs. my stable of CBR's? I just really love the sound of this machine. Nothing compares. Thanks!

[@ShaunNielsen]

Hi Sam, The company that owns aprilia is Piaggio and they dont support their products. I know several people personally who have had serious problems with their RSV4s within the warranty period and Piaggio have denied their claims for no valid reason. To make matters worse, aprilia seems to suffer from very poor quality control at the factory. I've done valve clearance checks on some engines that were full of assembly errors - with negative valve clearances as a result. Others were still within tolerances after 5,000 miles. Several people have asked me if I would recommend an RSV4 and I have said to each that it's an amazing machine, powerful and fun to ride, but very expensive to maintain if you cant do the work yourself. I personally will be getting rid of mine as soon as the Ducati V4 is available because I have lost all faith in Piaggio and aprilia. I know nine people who have had their RSV4 explode and I dont want to be number 10.

[@raydolinger1980]

I bought a used 2014 RSV4 and have been riding it for 2 years... Im at 12000 miles and just pulled the valve covers I found that everything is at minimum specs on all valves I technically could put back together and ride on but Im going ahead and re shimming ... :) Ive had zero issues with the bike and run the bajezus out of it... :)

[@mcprocrastinator7921]

Hey mate, these are exceptional videos! I was looking to see if I could do this and found your videos in the search however after the in depth explanation you give, the tools you have/what i nee, I am opting to leave this one to the pros :"(. It's so frustrating as would love to be able to do this, but to much risk to get it wrong or do something stupid along the way, I am so much better with electronics and software shit that what i am with machines, why cant you be my neighbor!!

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks MC. I have a lot of people bring me their bikes after they have made a mistake in the reassembly, and I always tell them to just start over. It takes more time but its a great way to learn. I still do it that way myself. If I get it wrong I do it again until its right.

[@mcprocrastinator7921]

Yes, I agree thats the best way to learn and that methodology is exactly how I do it in my IT field, if I get it wrong I keep re-doing from start until I get it right and then you tend to know it like back of your hand. I guess the problem is, with bikes anyways, I don't have the same time dedication available on the bike nor the tools which does suck :"(. Thanks again, for sharing honestly such great work.

[@Scrawny82]

Hey Shaun great vid. Did you end up making that cam tool with your CNC machine?

[@ShaunNielsen]

Thanks. My cnc mill has been in storage since shortly after this video was made so I've got a long list of widgets to make. Now that I'm riding a Ducati i doubt i'll make any more aprilia tools. I'm thinking i should sell the rsv4. Poor thing is sitting abandoned in my garage.

[@Scrawny82]

@@ShaunNielsen said to hear brother. Some Speical tools are crazy priced for what they are. I'm a mechanic by trade and your videos are legit. I'm like you and don't learn/like reading, learn more from seeing. Thanks for the help.

[@Scrawny82]

@@ShaunNielsen BTW feel like selling your cam tool now that you're not going to use it anymore ?? ;-)

[@raydolinger1980]

couldnt you put the bike in gear to "lock the crank".. ??

[@redbull69cl]

do you think I should buy the new Aprilia rsv4 that coes out in March? or is it not worth it?

[@ShaunNielsen]

I would say go for it. The RSV4 is an amazing machine and I would recommend it highly if it matches your needs. Just remember that its expensive to maintain. Don't skimp on the services and if you can, get an extended warranty.

[@kgmoto212]

So I’m trying to install a front cylinder timing system would it be possible to show me how with engine in bike from start to finish one of the parts snapped in half and I took it to a dealer and they said they didn’t want to touch the bike they told me to sell it for spare parts I told them if that’s all what’s wrong I’ll fix it they said good luck so I said I’ll look up forums maybe KZbin can help but nothing everything comes up but that I guess no one has a timing belt issue for the rsv4 rr but me I really don’t want to take hole engine out but I will if I have too It’s not the tensioner but what the tensioner pushes or what the chain slides on please help and thanks love your videos by the way helped in other things

[@kgmoto212]

Sorry it’s a 2016 rsv4 rr

[@ShaunNielsen]

Hi Kojo, I'll be doing some more videos in the next few weeks. I'll take a look and see what I can do

[@kgmoto212]

Shaun Nielsen thanks

[@kgmoto212]

Shaun Nielsen I’ll try to post a video of the parts

[@kgmoto212]

Sliding rod assy

[@mustofakamal9054]

gir dihubungkan jadi satu di beri rantai ini yg yg harus di benahi

[@ivanramos70]

Hi sir where r u located I’m thinking to sell my 18 rsv4 as u know cost a fortune for the valve adjustment If u can help I’ll keep it

[@ShaunNielsen]

I'm in Texas. Do you ride your RSV4 on the track a lot? If not, you have less to worry about. Your model is much less likely to have a problem with the valves but it would be a good idea to change the oil more often than the manual calls for and check the used oil for metal contaminants. When it comes to checking and adjusting the valves, if you cant do the work yourself the only option is to find a good mechanic you can trust and have them check the clearances regularly. If you do all this your bike will run well for many years. Its a great machine - I hope you can enjoy it.