valve adjustments for 2006 S50?

D

Danish Deshmukh

New member
I've been told by service techs that a valve adjustment or check is a waste if the bike is not showing symptoms of the valves being out of adjustment. I do not have any popping, backfiring or trouble starting my bike. I have almost 5000 miles on the bike, I had the first service between 500 and 600 miles. I changed the oil at 3000 miles. If there are no problems should I carry the bike in and have the valves inspected? I am an Industrial Maintenance Tech and I understand that an ounce of prevention goes a long way, however, I also know how expensive that inspection is, and it could be money better spent on accessories. I also would like to know how to perform the check and/or adjustment myself if possible. My friends and I have some long rides planned for the spring and I would like my bike to be in tip top condition. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
This, like much other advise, is only partly true.
Valves that are too loose will usually be noisy; tick, tick, tick, and if extreme, performance will suffer.

If they are just a tiny bit too tight, however, there is often no warning at all until the valve is burnt and warped by hot gasses seeping past the ALMOST closed valve.

It's a gamble. A small one to be sure but still a gamble.

P.S. The first 2 checks/adjustments are usually the most important (break-in). My riding is VERY conservative and after break-in my valve checks are usually 2X recommended miles. YMMV.
 
With the Intruder 800/ S50 if the valves are fine at the first service they usually do not need adjustment until about 20,000 miles. I don't touch them until they show signs of needing attention.
 
If you can't hear them clacking leave them alone. I have never seen adj tighten up wear always opens them up and makes noise. I checked mine at 2000 miles and were fine. If you take it to the stealer you will have to leave it as they have to be cold to check.
 
I agree with the post replies above. On mine I never went back for the 600 mile check. Just changed the oil and fluids myself. I did adjust the valves at 13k and did not like how they came out (noisey) so I have the dealer do it at 18k while they were changing the anti freeze etc before I gave it to the kids. I figure the next time they have it checked would be about 30k or so.
 
You don't until you check them.

You should check them based on the mileage recommendations in your owner's manual. It vaires some by model.

You are probably due for a check. There is not much risk in extending this check interval........but some.

Some riders never do it and get by with it. I would never let it go more than 2X the recommenede mileage.
 
its been a year but i'm back to this same question as it is spring now and i want to get my bike ready. i plan on changing the oil and filter myself. anything else i should do? i'm not sure what the tapping means. i called a dealer and they want to charge $360 for the 4000k maintenance including adjusting valves. i don't know if my bike's performance has deteriorated or I have just become more comfortable with riding a bike but when I first got the bike last year it felt a lot faster.
 
I would take it in. I had my valves adjusted late last fall on my 06 M50 with 10,000 miles at the time. They were all in pretty good shape with 2 being a little too tight and one being a little loose. It gave me piece of mind. Also tell them to change the plugs while they are at it, the have to take them out anyway. I think I paid $130 to get it done. You may also want to get your coolant changed. I did it myself this weekend and it took me a while but got it done. Didn't realize how dirty it was till I compared it with the new stuff.
 
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