Valve clearances at 30k miles

[Seeker]

AL7 just back from 30k service - no valve adjustment necessary all "well within spec" to quote mechanic.

I had the chain and sproclets replaced too, not because they were worn (they weren't) but as precautionary step. What's the life of a chain?

I normally use Castrol Power synthetic oil but the dealer uses semi-synth, so I requested synthetic and they used Silkolene. It may be imagination but it has improved an already brilliant gearbox.

[glang]

I wouldnt mind betting that youre a 'low rev' rider? Valve clearance wear seems to be proportional to how high the engine is revved which makes sense...

[Bike27]

Originally Posted by Seeker

AL7 just back from 30k service - no valve adjustment necessary all "well within spec" to quote mechanic.

I had the chain and sproclets replaced too, not because they were worn (they weren't) but as precautionary step. What's the life of a chain?

I normally use Castrol Power synthetic oil but the dealer uses semi-synth, so I requested synthetic and they used Silkolene. It may be imagination but it has improved an already brilliant gearbox.

Good to hear valves all still in spec at that mileage. Two of the four clearances were out on my 390 Duke at 5000 miles. Took me hours and hours to get it apart and back together, due both to the way the engine is squeezed into the chassis and how all the plastic bodywork fits together. On the other hand could check and adjust the clearances on my BM flat twin over a couple of cups of tea. Not even bothered to think about ease of access on the SV yet due to it not being due its first check for another 11000 miles, a milestone at my current rate of use I might hit by the end of the decade.

Is that the original chain you've just changed at 30k? If so that's very impressive longevity unless you are using a chain oiler.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by glang

I wouldnt mind betting that youre a 'low rev' rider? Valve clearance wear seems to be proportional to how high the engine is revved which makes sense...

you would win, it's rare for me to exceed 7k rpm, I take it near red line occasionally to ensure it will still reach it cleanly. I used the revs more when I was running it in than I do now.

[Craig380]

Originally Posted by Seeker

it's rare for me to exceed 7k rpm, I take it near red line occasionally to ensure it will still reach it cleanly.

I'm exactly the same. After all, you don't need to wring the neck of an SV to get good overtaking punch, and at 7,000 you're doing a genuine 70mph in 4th and 85mph in 5th ....

I found checking the clearances easy on the Gen 3, I didn't need to remove the tank or radiator. Getting the rear cam cover back in place was a bit fiddly, and you have to be careful not to tear the gaskets when removing the covers, but apart from that it was simple.

[Bike27]

Originally Posted by Craig380

I found checking the clearances easy on the Gen 3, I didn't need to remove the tank or radiator. Getting the rear cam cover back in place was a bit fiddly, and you have to be careful not to tear the gaskets when removing the covers, but apart from that it was simple.

That's also good to hear, 15000 miles seems a long way off at the moment, but I think the SV is a keeper (had my 640 Duke2 16 years now).

Seeker, not sure if you missed my query about your chain?

Originally Posted by Bike27

Is that the original chain you've just changed at 30k? If so that's very impressive longevity unless you are using a chain oiler.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by Bike27

Is that the original chain you've just changed at 30k? If so that's very impressive longevity unless you are using a chain oiler.

yes, it's the original chain and no, I don't have an automatic oiler. I clean it regularly with paraffin and, in the Summer, spray it with WD40 Chain Lube, in the Winter I use a paint brush to paint it with SAE 30 gear oil (after cleaning), wiping off the surplus as necessary.

If I pulled the old chain at the rear sprocket I could see a small movement away from the teeth but less than 1/4 of the teeth height. It would have lasted longer with regard to stretch but I was unsure how long they last before a catastrophic failure since I've never put so many miles on one. I've only adjusted the chain 4 times in 4 years.

[Biker Biggles]

If you are an "easy rider" and keep it smooth the chain will last well over 30000 miles as long as it is never allowed to dry out and thus damage the seals. Good quality OE sprockets are up to that as well.

[Bike27]

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

If you are an "easy rider".....

A bit more these days but wasn't back in the nineties when I did alot of my riding on chain drive bikes (before getting a shaft drive BM). Used to think 12k was decent life for a (non O.E.) chain back then. Fitting a Scottoiler on my TDM850 suddenly made 30k chain life seem a realistic aspiration, I remember chain adjustments went from circa 600 miles to circa 2000 miles with the oiler fitted. Most of my riding since 2004 has been on singles, which of course tend to kill a chain relatively quickly however you ride them.

Have passed 2000 miles on the SV without needing chain adjustment (bought a Tutoro oiler, but it's still sat on my garage shelf) which has been a very pleasant surprise.

[Bike27]

Originally Posted by Seeker

I had the chain and sproclets replaced too........

I normally use Castrol Power synthetic oil but the dealer uses semi-synth, so I requested synthetic and they used Silkolene. It may be imagination but it has improved an already brilliant gearbox.

May be your imagination, may also be the new chain / sprox