valves
 

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

Re: valves
 

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.

Re: valves
 

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.

Re: valves
 

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

Re: valves
 

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.

Re: valves
 

Good for you. They are regular $120 and $60 on sale at Canadain Tire.

Re: valves
 

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

Re: valves
 

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.

Re: valves
 

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:

Re: valves
 

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