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So I just got a V Star 1100 and I don't know when it was the last time they did a valve adjustment. How can you tell if you need one? I know you're supposed to get it done everytime you get your bike serviced like with an oil change and such.
The oil was changed before I bought it but I don't know about the valve adjustment. I just don't want to mess this thing up.
What will it happen if I just don't do it till next time I have it serviced? Is there a way to tell if the valves need to be adjusted?
Thank you

PS: I really dig this site and all the information in it. It sure makes things a lot easier for a lot of people.

why don't you check your manual?

it tells there when it is time to check valves by mileage or years. mine says to inspect valves after 14,500 miles or 4 years.

the manual for your bike should have it too.

Valve adjustments are one of those things like "undercoating for a car". In other words, it is not something you can check unless you take the valve covers off and put a feeler gauge on it. After all that trouble, you might as well do it. The Crimson one is totally correct, I would follow the manual.

Greg

todostusmuertos wrote:Is there a way to tell if the valves need to be adjusted?

Yeah, they'll make a bunch of racket!

Seriously, though, what's the current mileage?

Yup, RTFM. Some people don't believe in doing the valve adjustment check unless something is wrong (making lots of noises).

Personally I like my bike and want to keep it running as long as possible so I got it checked the when it was near 24k. Cost about $192 and next time I'll try to do it myself.

Touche' Zoo. I assumed that no noise was good news.

Greg

Wow, thanks for all the quick responses.
It is making a strange noise and I don't know if it's normal but its hard to describe. It seems like it's coming from the front near the tank.
The bike has 22 k miles. I better get the valves adjusted.
I wonder how hard it is to do cause I'd like to do it myself. I guess I can get it done professionaly the first time.

BLKNSLVR wrote:The Crimson one is totally correct

WOW hey someone want to make this a sticky!

You will hear ticking of your valves are really out of adjustment get a manual and follow it exactly and you should have no probs

I checked the manual and it says to check and adjust valve clearance (assuming that's the valve adjustment) every 30 months after 20,000 miles.

I better get it done.