Valve clearance - DIY or Pro?

So on my way back from my MOT (passed ) I heard the SV tapping from the front end and it reminded me I'm yet to do the valve clearances...

How long should it take a pro to check and/or adjust? What is the going rate?

Half thinking about doing it myself - I heard checking is not that hard but shimming is. I just dont want to spend hours dismantling And then having to put it all back together just so I can pay someone to adjust.

Any special tools needed? I have the basics, feeler gauge etc.

Anyone round my way fancy guiding me? will bring whiskey or whatever the fancy is!

About 31k miles by the way - unsure if they have ever been checked/adjusted.

[maviczap]

Checking the clearances is easy, if you do this then you can tell if the shims need doing and you can tell the garage which ones need doing.

So they would only have to change the shims on the valves that need doing.

But if you do it and find none need doing you've saved a load of money

[maviczap]

To check the clearance, remove spark plugs, take valve covers off, turn one cylinder to TDC (IRC) using timing marks, check clearances.

Repeat for the other cylinder

Cheers mav

Half the problem is I don't trust the garages round here with things like this. Really want to use someone with 'intimate' SV knowledge.

[Dipper]

Valve clearances normally reduce with wear as the valve recedes into the head, so ticking is probably something else, tensioner?

[maviczap]

you downloaded the manual didn't you?

I'm not too bothered by the ticking, a lot of people have heard it and told me its common with the curvy. I know I can fit the pointy version but it doesnt bother me that much.

Just that the noise reminded me of my clearances as my attention got drawn to that area!

valves need checking every now and then and at 31k it would be prudent to do it,but i wouldn't loose any sleep over it as a few more k wont make much difference,i personaly wouldn't check valves any more often then 30k dispite what the service manual says,as to valve recession its more myth then fact,and modern valve seat are designed to last with in built lubricants they dont alter much over a engine life time,the biggest variable is the way you check them and the cheap £5,99 feeler gauges that arent always that accurate,to get a accurate reeding you will find that most good trained mechanics will pay £50+for a set off britol or similar feeler gauges which are guaranteed to be accurate,and also if a engine has to be stone cold when you check the valve clearance and you ride it to to bike shop to be serviced and pick it up again a few hours later does it ever cool down enough to get accurate valve clearance!

where can i download the sv650 service manual from?
thanks darrell