Servicing Valve Clearances...

OK thanks. Time to get a feeler gauge and start reading manuals...
Jon.

I just checked mine at 24,000 kms and they were fine. The next time I check them, I will remove the radiator, rather than just loosening it. It will make valve cover removal/replacement much easier and it will be a good time to replace the coolant at the same time.

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by joeheaven

I just spoke to an SV mechanic in a central London bike shop who said that they have done loads of checks but had never an SV650 that needs adjusting! If they needed adjusting the noise, apparently, would make it obvious. He said they are very solid motors...

Whilst this is true, the SV motor is solid and they don't require much valve adjustment, it would be extremely unwise to ignore the scheduled check.

Written in answer to a previous, related enquiry:

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

I can understand exactly what you mean, the SV is well known for not requiring much adjustment, but as an unscientific example of how random it can be I've adjusted nothing at all on many 15,000 mile bikes but just recently did one, (that I've known from new, so can be certain of the mileage), at the same 15,000 that needed three shims changing. Another SV, just on 95-100,000 miles now, has had only three valves adjusted in all that time - five have never moved at all, but the 45,000 check on another late last year revealed four needing attention.

Go check.

Originally Posted by oldie

I just checked mine at 24,000 kms and they were fine. The next time I check them, I will remove the radiator, rather than just loosening it. It will make valve cover removal/replacement much easier and it will be a good time to replace the coolant at the same time.

Good way of doing things. I'd only remove the rad if the coolant was to be changed though, just removing the mounting bolts allows you to move the rad plenty far enough to give good access, particularly if it's subsequently found that no adjustment is needed.

[timwilky]

For an indication of what a service should cost, i came across this the other day. I am not saying it is what all should charge as obvously overheads/labour rate vaty but use it as an indication. No recommendation made about this dealer. I have never used them nor know anyone who has.

Originally Posted by timwilky

For an indication of what a service should cost, i came across this the other day. I am not saying it is what all should charge as obvously overheads/labour rate vaty but use it as an indication. No recommendation made about this dealer. I have never used them nor know anyone who has.

Bugger me at the cost of the 600mile service on a K6!!!!