1st Valve check at 38000 miles

[cabra]

Working on the theory "if it ain't broke don't fix it" I have continually put off a valve clearance check until such time as I am in there anyway - economy of movements etc etc.
Anyhow - I am assuming this is the bikes 1st valve check, current mileage is 38k ish, I bought it with 7k on the clock.
The readings are as follows

Front cylinder:
 I (gear end) 0.005" & I 0.004" / E (gear end) 0.009" & E 0.008"
Rear cylinder:
 I (gear end) 0.005" & I 0.004" / E (gear end) 0.009" & E 0.008"

0.004" & 0.008" are at the bottom end of the tolerance range but OK.

So, the question is - do I put it back together again as is, or do I go the full hog - remove camshafts, work out the (very) small shim differences needed, source required shims etc etc etc?

In the mean time I will get the vacum cleaner out to remove the half inch of dead flies in the air box.

[greywolf]

I would do the work now and get the clearances between the middle to wide end of the spec and never look again. That's probably the best decision if you are going to keep the bike for another 20,000 miles. Otherwise, you'll need to go in to look again and may have to do it. If you intend to sell the bike before using it for another 20,000 miles, you can either let it alone or do the job and use it as a selling point.

[plumber02]

probably going to get loads of different opinions but sounds like you know what you're at , if it were me I'd give it another 5-7k those differences would only melt your head and as you prob know you'd end up only 0.05mm (down with imperialism) on the right side, I've not even had a look at mine with 14k nor will I until it hits about 25 ish , but aren't the + - range very big 0.1mm just a thought I'd say an aul 70's triumph has a lesser tolerance than that

[Hondaman]

I'd leave well alone.

[greywolf]

I left the valves alone through three checks on my '07 with two valves at minimum. I finally got tired of doing checks. At around 50,000 miles, I changed shims to get all the clearances at mid to wide spec and never even thought about going back into the engine. I just wish I had done that on the first check.

[cabra]

Yes, as I have no intention of parting with the bike (probably ever) I was already mulling over the "GW" adjust & forget school of thought, at least I will then know they are right, so thank you GW, decision confirmed.
While I am in there I intend fitting lengths of vacuum tube to the throttle bodies for future ease of balancing and possibly more important, working my way through cleaning and weather proofing all the electrical connections - then I'll know they are right as well - result.
Plumber02, you are quite correct in your 70s Triumph quip, yes they have a smaller tolerance - the real wizardry is actually achieving it!
BTW, will be in your part of the world at some stage this year, a couple of us will be marshalling a couple of dozen cyclists for Cooperation Ireland, keep an eye out for us & say hi. We were in Leenane/Clifden/Westport for four days in May 15, again with C.I. - brilliant, it pissed out of the heavens the whole time we were there .

[greywolf]

I didn't notice you had a Vee. That makes it a no brainer. It's much easier to change the shims on a Vee.