Looks Like My Bike Is Now In Long-Term Storage

"Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura" (sundowne36)
03/17/2014 at 19:37 • Filed to: Two Wheels Bad, Honda 919

Because she's effectively on the 32,000 mile interval and I don't have the means to check all 16 of her shim-under-bucket valves. Still, at least the 919 never came with 600 fairing bits and pieces...

Fuckin' hell. Anyone in WA willing to help? Not that I desperately need it, but I don't trust myself taking apart a bike.

DISCUSSION (11)

N/A POWAAAHH > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 19:48

That's sexy. What is it?

Reigntastic > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 19:51

I used to ride a bike just like that, I really loved that bike. Honda CBF599?

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Reigntastic
03/17/2014 at 19:56

Honda CB900F6. :)

Decay buys too many beaters > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 20:10

The fairings on my CBR1000 are a fucking nightmare. I broke 3 tabs removing them during my first oil change. I then decided to just leave the lower fairings off so I wouldn't have to remove anything for future oil changes.

I dread the day I have to tackle the valves on my bike.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 20:35

there's a guy at work selling a bike exactly like that. i'm thinking hard about it.

Reigntastic > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 21:09

You have excellent taste!

mike in So Cal > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 21:40

part of me says "dont bother" as long as it hasnt been abused, and the oil is changed regularly. that said, i did a valve check on an EX500 and its not that difficult. tank comes off, valve cover off, turn crank, check clearances. i dont think ive ever run across a valve that was dangerously out of spec

tromoly > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 22:40

Only advice I have is to make sure you check clearances before pulling any valvetrain, I'm dreading rebuilding my CBR600RR engine because I never checked clearances before pulling valves from the head. That will be a fun assembly day (week, more like it).

desertdog5051 > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/17/2014 at 23:01

All I can tell you is a good friend works for a Honda dealer and said that 99% of the bikes that came through for that type of service did not need any adjustments made. If you can hear a noise, you may be in need of some service. (It's a Honda, remember).

nlzmo400r > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/18/2014 at 02:19

do yourself a favor, get a set of feeler gauges, pop off the valve cover and check them. It doesn't take long and sometimes those buggers are right in the middle of allowable tolerances. It'd be nearly free aside from gaskets and give you peace of mind.

Michael H > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
03/19/2014 at 16:40

Checking the adjustment is child's play. Swapping the shims out takes a bit more bravery for those without a bit of mechanical knowledge, but honestly anyone who can get the valve cover off and read a feeler gauge can at least check the clearances.

Unless that engine's been abused or raced, chances are good the clearances are all still within spec (but you still need to check). You'll likely be back out riding an hour from the time you pull the valve cover to check.