Valve clearance check

[mzterg]

Hello all,

Well I am thinking about doing my own valve clearance check.  And what a softie - in the past I have done loads of work on bikes and cars in the pre-computer/engine management age, but now I am nervous.  What a wimp - ha ha.

When I take the tank off, and disconnect the petrol hose, am I going to have petrol pissing everywhere?  Do I have to clamp the hose, or does the fuel pump stop the fuel flow?

Thanks all 

Is there anything else I need to be aware of when checking my valve clearances?

Thanks everyone.

Graeme 
 

[tookadum]

If my memory serves me well I don't think you need to remove the tank to check / adjust the valves 

I did mine a few times and don't recall having to do so. 

[Kantara]

It should explain how to do it in the manual, if you have one.  If not you may be able to find it on Google.

[mzterg]

Hi Oldtimers 

Thank you for helping.  Tookadum, you are right - you don't have to remove the tank at all.  I don't know how I thought that it needed to be removed as I have the manual as a pdf.  Only thing I can think of is that I "skimmed" the instructions and just say the word "tank" snd thought the worst, but on re-reading it, it does say "tank covers".

This is definitely a case of RTFM - read the effing manual, and properly with my eyes open 

Well that is good news.  It makes the valve clearance check a bit easier.

Thanks again everyone.

Ride On 
 

[Kantara]

Now who's a happy bunny then?   

[tookadum]

Oldtimers - cheeky  you need a good 

Yeah, it's about a 10 minute job, also if I remember well I never actually had to adjust mine - just checked them - but it's worth checking for peace of mind 

[Robell]

It's easier with the tank off. Much better access.
When you pull the fuel line, there's a drop spilt, but nothing a bit of rag won't soak up 

[WaffleHouse]

Forgive my ignorance, but do you folks in the UK have the big charcoal canister under the left tank cover?  I have read about the strict European emissions standards, but maybe what goes out the tailpipe and what evaporates from the gas tank are two different concerns. Mostly just curious. Like others, I didn't read the manual when I checked my valves, just pulled the gas tank automatically. When I had a Ninja 250, I believe I had to disconnect the radiator, remove the fairing and definitely the gas tank.  I love THIS bike's simplicity.  And the smoothness of the engine.
Thanks.

[tookadum]

Mine did not have one I don't think.
Most bikes have 'extra's' fitted to the emission system to meet the emission laws in some states of America but these parts are not normally fitted as standard. I don't think European emissions laws are as strict as say California. I know that some guys over there are scared of fitting aftermarket parts that increase performance due to the additional effect on the exhaust gasses. 

[WaffleHouse]

Thanks, that is interesting.  California has a lot of laws that say things are illegal, but they have little or no police enforcement, except for businesses selling such things.  In time, California will likely have emissions testing for motorcycles, if there is money in it for some politician.  Oh, sorry. I'm being cynical.  :)