v 650 2013 Valve Check

[wigwham]

So after much reading on the internet about valve checking sadly not done at 15,000 miles I have had the valves checked at 21,000 miles engineer said all valves in tolerance.
new air filter fitted and coolant replaced  .Happy Days
Regards
wigwham

[UK_Vstrom650]

  did they tell you what the clearances were?

I'm in the (slow) process of adjusting mine for the first time at c.53,000 miles. The intakes were still in spec, but the exhausts on both cylinders were tight. (They were all in spec at 30,000 miles though some exhausts were only just)

[vstroman]

How much did the valve check cost?

[graingerblaze]

I just had a major service, so oil & filter, spark plugs and air filter cleaned (K&N). I also had the valves shims checked, fork oil and seals replaced, engine mounts adjusted and an MOT for just under £500. I think looking at the bill the valve tolerance check was £150, all spot on after 26k miles.

[Gert]

A useful write-up / guide, should anyone decide to do a DIY valve check / replacement, http://www.circlenz.co.nz/Library/category/tech-tips/Suzuki-v-strom-DL650-valve-check-and-adjustment.

[UK_Vstrom650]

 
That's the guide I've been following.

When mine were checked by the dealer at 33,000 miles it was c. £100 But I was told it would be a lot more expensive if they needed adjusting. From doing this myself, I would actually say there's not that much more to do to swap the shims as most of the time is spent stripping the bike to get to a position where you can check the gaps. From checking the clearance, you only need to remove the cam-chain tensioner, cam journals, buckets, shims, reassemble and recheck the clearances.
Removing and refitting the fairing, tank, airbox, radiator and spark plugs are all part of checking the clearances anyway.

The shims aren't that expensive either. I originally bought some from Wemoto c. £20 for 4 (2× two sizes), but have just ordered some hotcams shims from an MX website c. £20 for 10 (5× two sizes).

[Dave L]

Hi,

My bike is booked in for its first valve clearance check - 33000 miles - and fork oil change. Nice to know what sort of bill I will be presented with. I will change the coolant myself - looks easy enough. I have watched Dr Vstrom's video.

[UK_Vstrom650]

If they're checking your clearances which requires removing the radiator, then they may well change the coolant for you as part of the check? I'd ask them if that's what they do, otherwise they'd be pouring your old coolant back in...