All still in spec at 54,000 miles

the Ferret

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My ST is in the shop getting some service work done and since they had all the plastic off I requested the valves be checked. Glad to report at 54,000 miles they are all still in spec.
 
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That's good news. I'm coming up on 53k so I'll need to have mine done. How much are they charging you for valve inspections? The shop here wants $1,100 which is way too high.
 
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The shop here wants $1,100 which is way too high.
Having never worked on the 1300, only the 1100, that figure sounds not just high, but insane. Did Honda do something significantly different with the 1300 that would explain the difference?

Also, there's a considerable difference in labor between checking the clearances, and making adjustments if necessary. Sounds like that quote assumes adjustments are required, which isn't necessarily true.
 
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You're absolutely right. I think the price was assuming it needs to be done. I will throw this out too-it took him 6 hours of labor to take the pieces off and on to get to the battery and re-wire the lights to LEDs and new brakes. That was his first time working on one. I should of took it to the Honda places but it's an hour away from my house.
 
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the Ferret

the Ferret

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I'm not sure what it's going to cost. I had brake fluids replaced and brakes bled, valves checked, new air cleaner and spark plugs, and an antifreeze leak fixed. probably not going to be cheap lol
 

Byron

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Sounds good. What would be nice is if they could give you a printout of what they measured at so you might have an idea of what shape you're in.
 

dduelin

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Ask for the clearances by valve. A reputable tech would have recorded them. They are useful from check to check to see trends.
 

Igofar

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Most of the stealers in my area refuse to disclose the clearences saying thats only information for our techs...which probably means they didn't do it.
As far as removing the tupperware...that takes less than an hour.
I would find a different dealership or search the forum for a local member who could help you.
.02
 
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Igofar- thanks for the advice. I've talked to Keith about it and I think he's going to have a look sometime soon.
 
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Back in 08 I was quoted 5hrs of labor just to check the valves from my local honda shop. While my bike was there for it's first maintenance check they changed the engine oil and charged me $85.00. That was the 1st and last time my bike has been to any shop for maintenance. After that trip, I've performed all my own maintenance .
 

OhioDeere

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My ST is in the shop getting some service work done and since they had all the plastic off I requested the valves be checked. Glad to report at 54,000 miles they are all still in spec.
Thats because most of those miles are retired speed miles! You need to pull that bike out of 2nd gear and get off the idle!

just kidding.

Mines at 42k.. hasn't needed nothing yet.. so far
 
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the Ferret

the Ferret

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Thats because most of those miles are retired speed miles! You need to pull that bike out of 2nd gear and get off the idle!

just kidding.

Mines at 42k.. hasn't needed nothing yet.. so far
Doug, they did ask me how often I ran it to redline? I said it's never been over 5000 rpms. They suggested " blowing it out once in awhile" lol
 

OhioDeere

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Doug, they did ask me how often I ran it to redline? I said it's never been over 5000 rpms. They suggested " blowing it out once in awhile" lol
Its okay to crack the throttle every now and then!
LOL
 

SupraSabre

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Doug, they did ask me how often I ran it to redline? I said it's never been over 5000 rpms. They suggested " blowing it out once in awhile" lol
5K? Are you serious? 50 lashes with a wet noodle! You need to give that poor bike some breathing room! I have lost count how many times mine has hit redline and the dreaded governor kicks in! :eek:4: I just feel like it should spin above 8K more than it does...:shrug1:

I really do need to check all three bikes valves....
 
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the Ferret

the Ferret

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Yea, I' m a pretty easy on the motors. It does everything I want it to do without having to spin it up. Same goes for my CB 1100, and the CB 1100 before that. I did have both of my Gen 1 FZ-1s up to 6k .....once lol. Funny thing is I am speeding most of the time..seems like whenever I look down I'm going faster than the posted limit

Most of the roads I ride are 45-55 mph country roads. While out riding the CB today I noted I could speed on any of the roads in 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th or 6 th gear without exceeding 4K rpms. I usually run them in 5 th.
 
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SupraSabre

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Well, there is a difference in using the upper RPMs with the top speed and using the upper RPMs to get the bike going... My high RPMs fall into the later category, not the first! ;)

I'm usually a few miles ( maybe 4 to 9) an hour above the limit, but I don't speed in general.
 
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the Ferret

the Ferret

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Guess I'm not in any big rush to get up to my 55-60 mph lol
 
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You do an engine no good, in the long run, by babying it constantly and the opposite extreme to over revving is lugging the engine, which is even worse. Engines are designed with a redline for a purpose and, especially during the break in period, it is quite important to let the engine run to its potential on occasion, to properly wear in and seat various components, like rings and valves.
 
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the Ferret

the Ferret

Daily rider since May 1965
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004543
Well, I don't want to argue about it, but that seems in opposition to every owners manual I have ever read. Regardless I have owned many bikes, have never had engine trouble with any of them. None have broken down, smoked, burned oil, or made weird noises and have delivered all the performance I have asked from them, so I will continue to treat my bikes as I always have.
 

OhioDeere

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You do an engine no good, in the long run, by babying it constantly and the opposite extreme to over revving is lugging the engine, which is even worse. Engines are designed with a redline for a purpose and, especially during the break in period, it is quite important to let the engine run to its potential on occasion, to properly wear in and seat various components, like rings and valves.
Yea, But on the other hand there's people I wouldn't let push my push mower after watching them operate their bike!
I've been in the business of repairing equipment for a long time. There's a reason a Peterbuilt is 10 times bigger with the same horsepower as today's 1/2 ton pickup trucks.
Just some thought.
 
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