K11 Owners Group

blue95lt · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject: valve adjusting

Hi F.B.C.
(Flying Brick Community)Gents, I would like to know how you guys feel,pros.and cons, about valve adjustment?
On one hand,my bike is 13 yrs. old and has never been in to see the dealer for repairs.
On the other hand,has never had the valves adjusted either.
On the other hand,wait !!!!!!!!!!! I only have two hands! well any way the bike
seems to run fine but I do have almost 50 thousand miles and our maint. sched.says to adj. every so often.
Is it worth it to have our new indy beemer shop to adj.them befor I ride all the way to the rally in wyoming?
any and all thoughts on valves and experences,I thank you all in advance for,thanks,keith

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject:

Mine only had 28,000 miles without a valve check and I went 2k miles to Virginia and back with out troubles. I wouldn't think it would hurt to at least have them checked. I will probably check mine this fall.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

duckbubbles · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject:

These engines seem to hold their valve adjustment really well. I think the recommended interval is maybe close to 30,000 miles. I could be wrong about that.

With 50K on the odo, you ought to at least check them for peace of mind. If they are good, go another 30K before you check them again.

Checking the clearances is really simple. It's when you need to change one or more that it gets interesting. The gasket is re-useable. You will lose about a half cup of oil. The proper size of feeler gauge and it can be done in a couple of hours.

Think about this- if you have one out of adjustment, tight is worse than loose, it can eventually burn the valve and just be the start of problems for you.

Frank
_________________
85 K100/1100RS, 321,000 miles, 25 years
96 Ducati 900SS/SP, sold it
05 R1200ST, 35,000 miles, 5 years
400,000 BMW miles

chopper_harris · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:48 am Post subject:

The maintenance schedule specifies a valve clearance check every 12,000 miles Wink

_________________
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Suzuki TL 1000 R (1999)
Kawasaki KLV1000 (2005)
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Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

The vavles are pretty static but if it's NEVER had the valves checked then I'd recommend having someon check/adjust the valves and having the TB's synched.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
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Midlife K-risis · Flying Brick Rider Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 166

CheapJapCopy · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:46 am Post subject:

Well we all know they like a drink of the oily stuff. As long as the oil light didn't come on you shouldn't have any adverse effects.

Maybe a sarcastic phonecall to the previous owner is in order Laughing

_________________
1992 K1100RS - Red and gold.

Phil Marvin · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:

Hi, Mid,
$375 for merely checking valve clearances sounds like highway robbery to me. The K1200 engine is similar to the K1100 engine and I checked the clearances in my K1100 bikes a number of times. You probably have to remove the lower left fairing piece to access the cylinder head. Remove the valve cover and the valves are exposed so you can measure the clearances. Do so. Write them down, then compare them with the spec. If they're loose, the engine may be a bit noisy. If they're tight, you run the risk of burning a valve. Clean the oil off the sealing surfaces including the old gasket if you're going to reuse it. The surfaces should be clean and dry. Spread a thin film of sealant (I use Permatex Ultra Gray) on the half moons and at the joint (you'll see where the timing cover and the head meet). Replace the valve cover and torque the bolts to spec. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! Replace the fairing bits. Ride, after spending an extra hour or two bonding with your bike, happy to have saved the $375.
Ride Safe,
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

blue95lt · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:30 am Post subject: Thankx Valve adj.

I am very thankful we have a (community)that I/we can gain more knowledge about keeping our motorcycles in a good state of repair,as much as we like to ride,it's good to have a dependable mount!
Again thank you all for your experiences and helpful advice!!

rover759 · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject:

One thing just to emphasize before you start.
You must have access to an air flow balancer as checking the clearances may move some goo and put your airflow out of balance in practice you will loose the idle and it will run a bit rough.They are cheap -cabtune makes a good one just remember to fit the airflow restrictors!!
Just to finish the job of get the CO reset too -this will ensure you get the best MPG!!
Personally I just checked mine and they were about 0.01 loose so I left them be!