Yamaha XSR900 Valve Adjustment

I past 26,000 miles on my 2017 Yamaha XSR900 and decided to do a valve adjustment. I knew it was a big job, but luckily with time and multiple trips to the shop, I was able to get it done. I also went ahead and changed out the air filter and coolant as well. Overall it was a little tricky to do as I explained near the end, but with the understanding of engine timing and picture references, I had no serious issues.
I do not recommend doing this to your motorcycle unless you have a good understanding of the engine, manuals to reference, and have taken plenty of photos during disassembly.
Music: "onion" by lukerembo

[@PawelB]

Great video, thanks for explaining the camshaft position and how to take off the shims so well unlike other videos, gonna try to tackle this project on my own, this was very useful!

[@roastchicken9143]

Just going to check my FJ09 clearances so thanks for putting this up. Did you follow the detailed sequential procedure for loosening/tightening the cam cap bolts? Can I assume that the middle cylinder valves are partially opened when the crankshaft is set to the < position? Good vid, thanks again

[@IsaacPel]

Yea I did, and I believe the cam caps are stamped with the order of the tightening sequence. And yes, there is some pressure on the valves when putting everything back together when lined up. That's why I needed to use a zip tie to hold the cam chain in place.

[@The444Life]

Helpful video, thank you for sharing.

[@IsaacPel]

Appreciate it!

[@yamasail]

Well there's a job I'll be leaving to the shop.

[@IsaacPel]

It's a big job for sure that can go south quickly haha, I was looking at a shop too, but prices scared me more lol

[@redpillrider]

I don't trust anyone to do anything complex these days. I'll be doing this myself this year.

[@snipplewiffle]

When putting the timing chain on, you indicated that the front is exhaust, and rear is intake. My understanding based of service manual, is that it's the opposite?

[@Whichwaydidtheygo]

I am regretting the purchase of my XSR more and more each day. This video was disheartening. Not only is riding it a handful but now I can see the maintenance dollars adding up IF you can find a competent mechanic. Even here in Los Angeles good wrenches are few and far between.The XSR is like a Harley, it would be an awesome second bike in your garage.

[@IsaacPel]

I was in the same boat as you when I saw the miles getting up there(it does take time or lots of riding luckily). Just doing other maintenance like spark plugs and watching videos got me confidence to do it myself. Had to invest in tools though. And all these bikes with high reving engines have similar layouts and maintenance schedules. But yea, if wanting to get a mechanic, best to find a reputable shop, but usually that means having to spend some money.

[@asgardiriy2765]

Благодарю за видео!

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Where did you go to purchase your service manual?

[@rafaellastracom6411]

Nice job. Boy, Yamaha does not make it easy do they? You have to take half the bike apart. Nice explanation on the entire job.

[@IsaacPel]

Not really haha, thanks I really appreciate it! At least its only three sets of valves to check.

[@whocarescameraj1809]

did you do it, it looks sooo hard?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

What diameter valve shims did you buy?

[@stevenpetersen1542]

what size diameter valve shim did you use, i think i need to buy the 7.49 mm shims but not totally sure

[@ruffleschips9055]

There just has to be another brand of motorcycle that the valves are easier to adjust.

[@ahmadmajed8753]

Royal Enfield

[@donbreeden1993]

Moto Guzzi, BMW

[@justintowers8230]

good coverage. you do not need to remove the radiator. remove the fan and put a cardboard over the inside portion of the radiator and lean it against the front wheel. just disconnect the one hose that is on the right side of radiator. you will loose like half oz of fluid.

[@IsaacPel]

Thats one way for a quicker valve adjustment, but I bought fresh coolant.

[@justintowers8230]

@@IsaacPel also why bang your head against the wall with the stupid allen key bolts that holds the chain tensioner. replace them with regular m6x1.0 thread pitch bolts(10.9 grade). will make reassembly that much quicker.

[@IsaacPel]

@Justin Towers I like the OEM bolts on the bike, they are strong, don't rust, and my tools are fine at grabbing them. Might have issues fitting a socket or a 12 pt wrench if switching to a bolt.

[@justintowers8230]

@@IsaacPel use an offset 10mm ratcheting wrench. the company made by mountain or harbor frieght brand has them. huge life saver.

[@MrToastedBlue]

what were the Honda shims you used? My Yamaha dealer said the OEM shims were very expensive but wouldn’t say how much 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@IsaacPel]

Sorry, I don't have the Honda part number. My local dealer is a Honda/Yamaha place and the guy was nice enough to let me know the Honda shims were cheaper and that they have smaller increments than just .05. I think Honda oem cost almost $10 and Yamaha cost almost $20 so it does add up when you are buying a few. I've heard people say their dealer let them trade in their shims.

[@Andrew-pd7co]

5 beers later

[@IsaacPel]

Haha those were from another time, but bikes & beer always go together 🍻

[@Struttin75]

How many miles on XSR900 when you performed the valve adjustment?

[@IsaacPel]

Around 27,000 miles

[@Struttin75]

Great job tackling this valve adjustment by your self. Thanks for sharing!

[@IsaacPel]

@@Struttin75 thanks! It was a big task, but I spent time watching a few videos as well to prep me.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@IsaacPel 27,000, I don't think I ever owned a Bike with that many miles LOLOLO))))

[@IsaacPel]

@Eli The Great haha this was my commuter for a while and rode plenty of miles on the weekend too😅