Step by Step Motorcycle Valve Adjustment PLUS WHY Not Just How...

Intimidated by Valve Adjustments? This is the Step by Step Video You've Been Looking For...
Tools & Equipment; KLR650 Complete Engine Gasket Kit rebrand.ly/brzzrtz KLR650
OEM Valve Cover Gasket rebrand.ly/1hrlfa6
Professional Ultrasonic Cleaner rebrand.ly/menf005
Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution rebrand.ly/35fzlaa
Fork Seal Driver rebrand.ly/g9236eg
Motorcycle Fork Oil Leveling Tool rebrand.ly/d92zvsz
Motorcycle/Automotive Brake Vacuum Bleeder Kit rebrand.ly/bqnb9ig
Best Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit KLR650 Front ebay.us/is5MBp
Best Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit KLR650 Rear ebay.us/VA8ZND
Engine Valve Adjustment Feeler Gauge & Tools rebrand.ly/k3fpho9
KLR650 Doohickey Upgrade Kit rebrand.ly/c0ovz5x
Motorcycle Flywheel Puller Tool rebrand.ly/986klhr
Motorcycle Chain Breaker/Riveting Tool rebrand.ly/4apr36e
KLR650 Chain/Sprocket Combo Kit ebay.us/ixguwZ
Motorcycle Clutch/Throttle Cable Oiler/Lube Tool rebrand.ly/045fcj2
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00:00 Intro
00:39 V.C.A. Manufacturer Recommendations
02:04 The Bike
02:53 Compression Test PT.1
05:28 Conspiracy Theory
09:45 Valve Adjustment Step 1
11:23 Valve Adjustment Step 2
12:11 Why Your Valve Clearance Changes
14:15 Valve Adjustment Step 3
16:00 Cams, Chains & Shims
18:47 Shim Calculations
19:40 Valve Adjustment Step 4
20:24 The Double Check Step 5
21:12 Compression Test PT.2
21:33 Up Next
#rodrideswrenches #KLR650 #enginevalve #valveadjustment

[@sjplato]

Your videos are the most well put together/filmed/explained on these topics. Thank you for providing a good resource to people.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thank you for watching & supporting. More videos coming in the new year!

[@westondifranco9313]

I will need to check this in my fz1 in 8000 miles. Thanks for this, can't wait to watch it a few times

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Let us know how it goes!

[@ihateandreykrasnokutsky]

I love the explanation with schemes and text on them, really helpful.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & view!

[@zakw3637]

These videos are excellent. I'm genuinely baffled as to why they don't get more views/attention. Great work Rod.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks Zak, with your help they will eventually!

[@arc001]

Too much waffle!

[@doctorhelicopter]

This is good info. Its pretty easy to do unnecessary work with valve clearances, unless the bikes been dusted or has massive wear

[@orionclark3565]

Honestly this video gives my the confidence I’ve been needing to check my valves.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & view!

[@21area21]

The scout Master bit was golden.

[@bogusm8940]

Whoo! Little over my head but interesting and good content. As always, thanks Rod!!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for taking the time to view & comment!

[@ronsmith9228]

Great job with video with minimal chatter, your experience is obvious and appreciated. I will apply to my maintenance!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view!

[@michaelhatem9362]

Excellent video Rod. Thank you for the effort.

[@trevorphillips3055]

Great video Rod, always enjoy the content 👍🏻

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Appreciated! Thanks

[@DearMajesty]

Dude great video! Extraordinarily put together!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks you may also like kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPKY3qKmayHiaM

[@Boardinfourlife]

Love the detail on the determination of shim size 👌 always be sure to inspect timing chain tensioner as well 👍

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Nice vid Rod. 👍🇬🇧

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for taking the time to view & comment!

[@giovanhagar]

The Suzuki DR650 has rocker arms with locking screw adjusters and can be adjusted with a wrench and screwdriver.

[@AmrinderSingh-zx9hr]

Great.!! Very Good Explained.!

[@TheMasonjarz]

Another great video!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Appreciated!

[@deathscythe767]

Dude no joke, I love your video and am subbing to check out more. I was just curious about something another youtube was bitching about and you actually broke down why it matters and how it matters. Thank you, Rob.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the comment & views!

[@billbonu1639]

Sometimes you can swap them around and save yourself some money on shims.swap a tight one with a loose one and use the ones you already have especially if you can still read the numbers on them or have a micrometer.I have a set of 7 or 9 mm or something like that, it's a common size but I've never used any of them because I always end up just moving them from one place to another and get them all in spec

[@goneballistic]

Great video. Shared with my mom

[@dannyang798]

Just founded this channel . I love it .

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Awesome!

[@dannyang798]

U mentioned u were an insider . Were you perhaps a mechanic back in the past? I'm actually looking for some guidance , recently landed myself a cbr600rr 2004 and it's been laid down a couple o times by the previous owner. Looking to rebuild it cos I'm bored and also cos I aspire to be a motorcycle mechanic some day . Was hoping if you had some time to answer a couple of questions for me ❤ love the content! Keep it up Rod! Cheers

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@dannyang798 ask your questions. you may also like kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpa1dJWEqq6qhZIsi=CFia8Rdx7MLbeFNd

[@dannyang798]

1.) are motorcycle switches universal? 2.) where on a transmission does wear occur? 3.) when rebuilding an engine it it necessary to check the cylinder head if it's warped? And if so how do I go about doing it? 4.) my wire harness is due for a change or a new one (considering the bike is from 2004) and I guess this relates to my first question , does the ECU matter in this situation? I know it's a lot but I totally have no experience of fixing bikes except for the riding part . I do have a background in engineering I just wanna be safe is all P.s I'm a technician in an engineering firm but I'm pretty new to all of this so to anyone reading this pls be nice :(

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@dannyang798 1.) are motorcycle switches universal? No most connectors are proprietary, handlebars can have different configurations based on applications (flash to pass, hazard, turn signal indicators) 2.) where on a transmission does wear occur? Most often the shift drum and fork, see latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKSopqiLp9hsf9E 3.) when rebuilding an engine it necessary to check the cylinder head if it's warped? Only if there was an over heating issue like a blown head gasket. 4.) And if so how do I go about doing it? Any reputable engine machine shop. They should be able to remove the valves for you to inspect so you can replace the seals. 5.) my wire harness is due for a change or a new one (considering the bike is from 2004) and I guess this relates to my first question , does the ECU matter in this situation? Completely dependent on the bike, for a harness typically no. The ECU needs to see the same ignition and dash in 95% of security related issues.

[@emmanuelhud1]

Liked and subbed. Liked the presentation and your way of presenting. Keep it up 👍 I'll keep watch, and more will come to see the great content 😊

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks new video out Saturday

[@everydaybiker]

Great video, thanks son much

[@dieterich6533]

Love watching your channel, it’s educational and entertaining. Any more rebuilds coming? I enjoyed the ZX6 videos.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

There is a BIG restoration project (late 90's early 2000) sitting outside the garage right now. This one will tie up the hoist for weeks and weeks so I have to be strategic and there is more work to do on the ZX6 this fall. Thanks for the question and your views!

[@itmsolver]

BC plates on the wall !! Subscribed! Victoria here with KLX 250 SF

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the SUB!

[@Roadghost88]

Valve shimming is what I hate about modern motorcycle engines. To get that little bit more HP, they've compromised the practicality of the design. The older Japanese engines could at least be adjusted with simple tools. Harley Davidsons use hydraulic valves, which should be a no-brainer for all motorcycles except the high-end performance bikes. This sticky business of dismantling half the bike every 30,000km is to say the least annoying.

[@wyomatt]

Annoying and expensive. My Ducati needs a $1200-2000 teardown every 14,000miles.... I mean, the 195hp is impressive but holy cow

[@motov8-garage832]

Ive been procrastinating doing my first valve adjustment for a year now on my 05 ninja 636.. It seems easy enough but im honestly freaked out to remove the cams and mess with the cam chain etc. Im at around 24-25k (usa miles). I realize im a little late (supposed to check at 15-20k). I haven't even ridden the bike since last year because of this😬..yea ive been slacking, but anyways im about to get into it this month, got my valve cover gasket (it needed it due to a small leak i noticed the last time i rode it), also got 3 or 4 sets of different feeler gauges to make sure i can extra doubel check the measurements (im ocd). This all said i have been debating on taking this to a shop, they want 350$ to do the valve check amd adjustment, obviously the shims will be a little more but not much. The reason ive been hesitant to take it to them at the shop is trust issues.. with this type of job you really cant tell if they actually did anything or how well they did the job.. So even if i do take it to the shop, im going to take it apart myself and measure the clearances then if i have them do the job ill ask for them to write down the clearnces they found and obviously know they atleast checkd😅.. Still wont know if they actually shimed anything though .. Id kinda like to do the job myself just so i know how, it doesnt seem like a hard job just a tedious job. I can zip tie the chain to the cam sprokets and not need to worry about re timing the engine, then i just have to make sure i torque down the cam holders down correctly with a torque wrench, The measuring of the clearance and shims themselves will probably be the hardest part, also as far a measurement of the clearance, i just need to make sure each lobe is pointed up when i do each valves measurement.. lastly i might keep my OEM timing chain adjuster (but ive read i should maybe change it to a manual tensioner) .. for the shims ill order the hotcams shim kit so i have what i might need (after i measure ofcourse). So thats my summed up hopfully correct procedure ive reserched so far..

[@thaddeusothello7689]

When rotating the crankshaft for TDC, I've noticed that some shop manuals do not specify clockwise or counter clockwise. At this point what should you do?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

What is important is to rotate the engine in the direction it would be turning while running to keep proper tension on the chains and cams. This typically means counterclockwise from the left and clockwise from the right side. I discuss in more detail in this latest video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPKY3qKmayHiaM

[@AliasTekTV]

I also would like to point out that the KLR carb is also a vacuum slide CV type. So during a compression test you aren't actually holding the slide up for maximum air into the cylinder. This will also drop the pressure in the gauge. Usually you will find the corrected compression number in the repair manual for your specific bike. Also, the reason for frequent valve adjustments are because valves spin and the engine runs. On cars, most run between about 2-3000rpm and most of the time it's less than that if you're in town. Motorcycles run much higher. my CBR600 is about 8000rpm just cruising on the highway at 75 or so. My CRF450L is about 7000 at 70 on stock gearing in 6th gear. This causes higher valve and seat wear as the valve rotates around. There are videos here on youtube about it. You MUST keep them adjusted and in spec, or the valve will not transfer heat to the head, and begin to overheat and melt which WILL cause catastrophic failure. I had bought a 93 KLX 650 which I rode many miles back home, with the choke slightly open, with a valve also held open with no clearance and the CV diaphragm torn and running on the idle circuit. All this was learned as the repairs were done. Ran great as a daily commuter! Well until a rod bearing decided to go... Previous owner abuse...

[@nick4506]

I did my old Suzuki bandits first valve adjustment at 50k miles, they were all in spec. so much work I felt cheated that nothing was wrong. bty the secret is car motor oil, a hevier clutch belvile washer so the clutch will still hold with the higher quality slipperier oil. you can feel by how the clutch acts when the oil is getting thin and time for a change. also you can get a gauge for the life left in the cam chain by how many clicks are left in the cam chain tensioner.

[@JAMESWUERTELE]

My 1GR 4Runners can be adjusted, not sure the mileage, 500k?

[@RafaelMaldonado-y1m]

im new to learning how to adjust valve clearances, but shouldn't you actually measure the original shim to get the accurate measurements instead of just going based off what's printed on the shim itself?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

I think you need to rewatch the video. Measurements of the gap between the cam and the shim/bucket are taken before removing the cams/shims. These measurements alone don't help you get correct shims if you don't have a starting point which is the size of the shim currently on the valve. You may also like kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPKY3qKmayHiaM

[@rafamaldonado5554]

@@RodRidesWrenchesahh gotcha. Must have missed it 🤙

[@rajeevv969]

I have a bike Yamaha fz25 it's inlet range 0.05-0.10 exhaust range 0.08-0.13,can you advise the best clearance for power & efficiency?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

How much power are you expecting to get out of 250cc's? Don't mess with valve shimming keep to the factory specification, your bike should have An intake gap of between 0.05 and 0.10mm, the exhaust 0.08 to 0.13mm. There is not much room to play with here. Understand that the gap between the cam and valve will tighten over time so get shims that aim for a gap that in in the middle of these two factory specified measurements or leans toward the greater range of the allowable gap. More is discussed in this latest video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPKY3qKmayHiaM

[@stefanhansen5882]

This was super interesting! Does this mean that the shims CERTAINLY do not need to be adjusted if the compression is in spec, or is it only a guideline?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

If the combustion chamber is getting a proper portions of air/fuel and containing it through the combustion stroke, why would you take apart most of your bike to slide a feeler gauge around and tell you what you already know? If the valve shims or cam is worn you will have low compression, if the valve shims are tight and the valves are being held open, you will have low compression.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@RodRidesWrenches I'm a complete newbie. This is super cool to know about. Thanks a lot of sharing it! Weird dealers insist on inspections every 15 hours on enduro bikes, if a pressure test would be all that was needed.

[@user-np8cg9lx5c]

If u add 2.70 +0.051 would that not make 2.121mm how did it become 2.751 thats if u just put the numbers beside each other without adding is that how you done it ?😎👍 great video man hope you do more legend

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Nope 2.7 + 0.051 is 2.751 we are adding hundredths of mm to tenths of mm. These valves were dangerously tight, virtually no clearance. Thanks for the view!

[@davidwasicek8999]

Canadian

[@ME-iy1qg]

Leave rear sprocket at 43 and go up one tooth on the front. Increase rear tire up one series and now your cruising 70 mph @4500.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback, new video out tomorrow!

[@wyomatt]

Great video. Great channel. However valve adjustment is not reqd for "virtually every bike on the market" since the best selling bike (by a huge margin) is the Harley Davidsons which dont require valve checks. Ever. Plenty of them running around with 100,000+ that have never had any covers removed :)

[@RodRidesWrenches]

This is because of the old-style hydraulic pushrod design of the engine. Unless you are referring to the Harley Pan American engine with hydraulic valve lash adjusters, but I think it is too early to tell what sort of performance benefit this will have and if the rest of the engine will make the 100,000+ mileage you speak of. The best engine ever made for HD (it was designed by Porsche) used modern overhead cams which did require valve clearances checked and adjusted every 15,000 miles it used a shim under bucket system. This engine made 115hp in only 69 cubic inches and best of all your legs did not get cooked while sitting in 100+ degree traffic. The pushrod engines cannot come close to this sort of performance. Having owned more than a dozen HD bikes (nothing newer than a twin-cam) I would say they have their own set of equally important maintenance issues, so it is a personal choice of style, performance, and value for the money. BTW in Harley Davidson sold 162,771 motorcycles in 2023 world wide according to their own website (which was down over 30,000 units from 2021). Kawasaki sold 483,461 motorcycles worldwide, but the all-time highest seller on two wheels is Honda who sold 18.5 million motorcycles in 2023. Not trying to be an ass I was a big Harley fan in the 90’s and early 2000’s so I’ve been there, done that, got the tattoo 😉

[@wyomatt]

I hear ya. I have a tattoo myself :) And 5 Harleys, a Ducati (which cooks me like no Harley comes close to) KTM, BMW, and Yammie. The water cooled HD is nice! Also a fan of Kawasakis Vulcan line once they fixed the oil consumption problem. The V-Rod engine was impressive but not enough were really sold to say its better than the 96/103 which have a couple million successful and low maintenance copies running around the world daily. Above all though, I'd argue the Sportster 1200 engine kicks butt versus all other HD engines. Again, millions of them running around and it's a great reliable design with decades of success. One thing to consider with the Kawasaki comparison is that Harley started selling hundreds of thousands of bikes back around Y2K and continued that until the recent dip, which I believe is due not only to their insistance on antiquity, but their dying boomer demographic without a pipeline of millennials buying their overpriced products. I like your conspiracy theory too. I took my BMW in for the valve service and ironically it started ticking 2000 miles later so I'm suspicious whether they even checked the valves at all. Again, great video, love your channel, quality editing, and teaching. I learned good stuff with this video and more.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Well said!@@wyomatt

[@ManOfDeath94]

Very informative but way too much editing. A lot of unnecessary distraction whilst you’re talking.

[@pascaljulien2998]

Il a un problème impossible d'avoir l'aiguille du compressiometre monter d'un coup sur 150 psi la vidéo est truqué FAKE 😅

[@user-oc1jm6mh9r]

Your info may be good but the Scout Master joke was way over the top perverted. Shame on you.

[@jerenceaviado7367]

It’s a joke man, calm down! Political correctness is the death of all humor.

[@wyomatt]

I guess you haven't seen the documentary. The Boy Scouts were basically even worse than the Catholic church at not preventing, contributing to, and then protecting the offenders and covering up the fact that decades of abuse were happening and it was a known factor. They even allowed a trio of unmarried homoes to start a new Troup who basically trafficked their kids scarring them for life. 60yr old men who still bust down in tears at the very mention of BSA 50yrs later its disgusting. The best jokes have an element of truth and this one is 100% appropriate!

[@wyomatt]

Watch the documentary. They are a disgusting organization. 60yr old men break down in tears 50yrs after the institutional abuse scarring them for life. The best jokes have a hint of truth and in this case it's proven a lot more than a hint!

[@wyomatt]

Watch the documentary...

[@javierc2726]

The noises you add to the video are annoying

[@levibrown5783]

But did you learn anything from the video let him create how he likes