valve adjustment

[todostusmuertos]

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.

[VermilionX]

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.

[BLKNSLVR]

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

[ZooTech]

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?

[sharpmagna]

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.

[BLKNSLVR]

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

Greg

[todostusmuertos]

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.

[oldschoolorange]

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

[todostusmuertos]

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.