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RC51 Valve Adjustment

  1. #1
    TWINS! xrocket21's Avatar
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    RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Manual says the RC needs the valves adjusted at 16,000 miles

    The internet says they are almost always in spec.

    I'm at 31,000 miles on the old girl.

    bought at 16,000 miles, intended to do it myself at 18,000 miles, bought feeler gauges around 22,000 miles, then learned that it is $100 for a set of shims.

    Any thoughts? Just do it? Just run it? Just pay someone else $400 to do it? I have the manual, and Im not scared of pretending I'm a mechanic. Anyone on here done it?

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  2. #2
    Lifer SwiftTone's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Just do it.

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    Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.

    Current: 2016 S1000XR. Past: S1000R, Streefighter S, Monter S2R1000, RC51, CBR600

  3. #3
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    I'm in a very similar situation with my 919. My plan, if I ever get around to it, is to buy feelers and swap/buy shims individually at the closest Honda service department.

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  4. #4
    Backwoods lobster boy number9's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Quote Originally Posted by Crimedog View Post
    I'm in a very similar situation with my 919. My plan, if I ever get around to it, is to buy feelers and swap/buy shims individually at the closest Honda service department.
    Would you be interested in doing it over beers and showing me how it's done? I supply the beer, of course. I should probably check my VFR's clearances...

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  5. #5
    Changes come butcher bergs's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    At least check clearance.

    FWIW I have a healthy collection of the small diameter shims and wouldnt mind doing an exchange if you are in need and can wait for the mail

    Also, with the exception of the specs, you can otherwise forget the manual and all that TDC bs. Point the lobes away from the bucket and measure. Simple.

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  6. #6
    Your Father csmutty's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    What he said. TDC only if you have to remove the cams.

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    -Christian LRRS/CCS HasBeen ECK Racing
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  7. #7
    Lifer
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Quote Originally Posted by butcher bergs View Post
    At least check clearance.
    +another

    Checking is easy.

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  8. #8
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Quote Originally Posted by number9 View Post
    Would you be interested in doing it over beers and showing me how it's done? I supply the beer, of course. I should probably check my VFR's clearances...
    I mislead you, I have no skills. I was going to follow an internet guide with a buddy, theoretically.

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  9. #9
    Posting Freak jeantarrou's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    With the RC51 service manual it's very straightforward, and like was already said you don't have to buy a complete shim kit, just swap shims with a service shop (there's usually a small fee).

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    Hyper

  10. #10
    TWINS! xrocket21's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Quote Originally Posted by butcher bergs View Post
    At least check clearance.

    FWIW I have a healthy collection of the small diameter shims and wouldnt mind doing an exchange if you are in need and can wait for the mail

    Also, with the exception of the specs, you can otherwise forget the manual and all that TDC bs. Point the lobes away from the bucket and measure. Simple.
    Quote Originally Posted by nhbubba View Post
    +another

    Checking is easy.
    Sounds good, Ill at least check them, I have the feeler gauges and the honda manual so it will be cake.

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  11. #11
    Lifer ZX-12R's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    This is kind of a surprising thread topic for a guy that seems to have no problem rebuilding engines.

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    "...i would seriously bite somebody right in the balls..." -bump909

  12. #12
    TWINS! xrocket21's Avatar
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    Re: RC51 Valve Adjustment

    Quote Originally Posted by ZX-12R View Post
    This is kind of a surprising thread topic for a guy that seems to have no problem rebuilding engines.
    They key is that people say they do it and it was a waste of time. As well as the fact that I thought it would cost me almost as much in shims as it would to just pay someone. I dunno why I have procrastinated so long to do it.

    Also, instead of working on my bike this winter, I was working on my sled!!!!

    Im not afraid of the work by any means.

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