valves

[fastyme]

Well finally got my bike out winter storage and got it up and running. Fogged motor cleared out in less than 15 seconds and was running smooth as new. Having hit 2000 miles before I stored it and never adjusting valves at 600 miles like suggested in service manual, it just ran to smooth so I did'nt.
After hitting that 2000 miles I started to really think I better do to be safe. After collecting all the info from this site and getting the right wrenches i was off. It went really well except for my 1/2 wide feeler gauges. They made it tuffer than it really needed to be. Next time I well have that narrower set of gauges.
Only set back I had was I missed that part about being brought to the compression stroke. So after bringing to dead center an adjusting the exhaust side and rotating what i thought was twice and turn out to be three times . I found to much play in the valves and I knew something was wrong because i had them perfectly adjusted.
I stopped reread all I could and figured out the I did'nt adjust it on the compression stoke so I redid it an rechecked an rechecked agian and it was purfect. Runs perfect
http://s18.postimage.org/fv61oxnpx/IMG_0054.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/fv61oxnpx/)

[JWR]

Usually the valves will always be tight, if they have worn.

It is always nice to be able to do your own work...

Enjoy the new season.

[Water Warrior 2]

Well done.

Is that a Harbor Freight lift ?? I have the same one that is sold in Canada at Candaian Tire. Lifts the M-50 very nicely.

[cayuse]

Don't feel too bad, i did the exact same thing.
You get really good with the feeler gauges after all that practice!

[fastyme]

Replying to the jack. I got it last weekend at a store called Menards on sale for 69 bucks plus tax in Wisconsin. Seems to be pretty nice. Its a Big Red by Torin.

[Water Warrior 2]

Replying to the jack. I got it last weekend at a store called Menards on sale for 69 bucks plus tax in Wisconsin. Seems to be pretty nice. Its a Big Red by Torin.
Good for you. They are regular $120 and $60 on sale at Canadain Tire.

[bpdchief]

why no center stands on bikes anymore? OK OK totally off topic sue me

[Water Warrior 2]

why no center stands on bikes anymore? OK OK totally off topic sue me
My friend has a Gold Wing with a center stand. Neither one of us can get it up there.
Smaller bikes are very price concious. Even my Vstrom had one as optional only. It was worth it for servicing and tire changing.

[blaine]

My 454 had a center stand on it when I bought it.I couldn't wait to get home and tear it off.I couldn't stand the look of it sticking out the side of the bike.Also it wouldn't work with modified mufflers,as it uses the original muffler as a stop.
Did I mention,I can't leave anything stock alone. :tongue:
:) :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

I neve take anything off of a bike. I just keep adding stuff to make it harder to pick up after a drop.

[alantf]

My friend has a Gold Wing with a center stand. Neither one of us can get it up there.


The bike shop guy showed me how to get a heavy bike up onto the centre stand. You don't pull the bike onto the stand, you push your leg forward (foot on the ground) while holding bars & saddle, and your whole body is then forced backwards, and up the bike comes, with no pulling whatsoever. Sounds weird, but it really does work. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Doubtful the Wing would come up on the stand that way. It is just too heavy. The procedure with the Wing is similar to my Vstrom but involves more strength. Left hand on left handlebar. Right foot on center stand. Right hand on left side passenger handhold. Then stand with all your weight on CS and lift with your right hand. Eezy Peezy with the Vstrom but the Wing is just a massive dead weight. But of course after trying the Wing with no results a fellow rider said "Here's how it's done". He did it.

Just for a reminder about modern expensive bikes: A couple years ago I was parking the bike after riding North for 90-100 km to enjoy the twisties and sunshine. A BMW rider backed in beside me. Then I heard an electrical whinning sound coming from the bike. Yup, you guessed it. An electric CS that will lift the bike and rider to a parked position. That is what a Wing should have.