Valve clearance checks …

[Landsurfer74]

My bikes now at 24000 miles … Engine is quiet, smooth and starts on the button …. There that’s the cliches over …. I bought the bike 2 years ago with 15200 miles on it … loved and serviced by myself and Manhattan Motorcycles in Sheffield …. What is the story on valve clearance needs and reality ….. As you all know it’s not a five minute job ….A
When does it really need done  ? Mileage or on condition ?

[Barbel Mick]

In my opinion, you won't know if it should have been done until it's too late.
You won't get any 'noises' as the gaps close with wear, the valves won't shut fully & the valve seats burn out. The first you might know is when the bike becomes difficult to start when hot, but it could be too late by then.
It'll be cheaper to get them checked & new shims fitted, if necessary, than an engine rebuild.
In my case I had them checked & all was OK at 15k & 30k but 4 exhaust valves need doing at 45k.
I've heard others needed doing earlier.
You can spend a few pounds & be sure, or take a chance & maybe cost you a lot more. 

[Joe Rocket]

Peace of mind says follow the schedule so have they been checked yet?

Most will tell you there is no real need until 24k (miles) anyway, I did mine at just under 30k and all were OK. I shall do the next at around 40k. I do oil and filter changes every 4k which I'm sure is good practice!

The decision is yours though. 

[Landsurfer74]

I’m an obsessive oil and filter changer … every 2000 miles … I’m happy to do the valves myself … I’m an Aircraft Airframes and Engines Eng/Tech …I love mech stuff …. I’ve had a quote of circa £500 from my friendly LMBS … but I’ll wait until 30K and do them then … myself… thanks for the steer …

[nigel s]

I tend to rack up miles on my bikes and valve checks are one of the biggest costs for me ( done every year at the mo , the std 15,000 mile interval) but would not miss any just yet.
You really need TWO checks ,say at 15,000 miles apart , to get an inkling as to the wear rate / gaps of YOUR valve train. Two will give you a base to decide how long you can leave them going fwd.

At 15k mine were in spec but two exh were near the lower limit (.20/.21), all others and inlets in the middle.
At 30k both of those exh were just out of spec .19 ish , as I recall ,both moved to middle of spec, inlets unchanged.
It will get another check at 45k and if they are all  still in spec and it looks likely that the gaps have some spare room and will not go out of spec, will make a decision then as to whether to stretch the interval , but even if I do it won't be by much. Maybe another 7,500 we will see.
Mine were " in spec" from the factory but the two exh were obviously near the lower limit from new, no way to tell till that first check how tight a set is set from new   .Some may be tight from the off, but in spec,( so go out of spec sooner ), some loose  ,at the upper end of spec, so stay in spec longer.

[Gert]

If you want to do the valve inspection / adjustment yourself or want more info on how to go about undertaking the task, my goto guides on valves are https://circlenz.co.nz/Suzuki-v-strom-DL650-valve-check-and-adjustment/ and https://www.stromtrooper.com/threads/2007-dl-650-valve-check-and-adjustment-black-labs.443343/.

These guides can be applied to both the 1st and 2nd gen DL650. It also makes for good reserve knowledge when speaking to a mechanic, if you want to go that route.

[Pete O Tube]

I'm astounded an aircraft tech needs to ask the question "When does it really need done  ? Mileage or on condition ?" - they should be checked/adjusted at the manufacturer's specified intervals.......just as aircraft have service intervals, 50, 100hrs etc.

And I say that as someone with reasonable experience of gliders, SLMG, microlight and SEP (CRI and tug pilot) and having had a share in three aircraft.

In my experience, yes they can be out at the first mileage interval.

[Rixington43]

If you plan to do the servicing yourself (and you plan to keep the bike long term) then just do them now whilst the weather is shite and riding is minimal. 24k allows you to split the difference between the 15k it likely missed and the 45k it will probably want anyway. Depending on your annual mileage, you also risk taking the bike off the road and missing summer riding time. If the shims do need adjusting then you'll be waiting for them to arrive since you'll only know what sizes you need once the bike is in a million pieces. The valve check also provides a great oppurtunity for heading off other issues like waterproofing connectors behind radiators and swapping out coolant/hoses etc.

* I think I mentioned before but do speak to Eric at EW in Staveley, he's not a million miles from you and charges very reasonable rates if you want ot farm the job out.