1st valve check on my 2006 at 21500 miles.

[Pete in PA]

Just finished my 2nd check at 40k miles good to go. All valves measured EXACTLY the same as the first time. I did have some oil seepage at the 1/2 moon cam cutouts at the valve cover gasket so this time I used sealant there.

Didn't even pull the spark plugs this time, just put in 5th gear and turn the engine with the rear wheel.

Don't know when (if ever) I'll check them again. Not putting on much mileage every year.

 

[RCS]

I have checked mine twice and each time I needed at least one shim change. Coming up on the third check and I am going to do it. It only takes one out of spec valve clearance to cause a problem.

 

[Pete in PA]

In the Ask Andy Tech Q &A Feb. 2013 Rider mag. His recommendation is a far less strict tolerance range on ST1300 valves.
He says "I wouldn't sweat a tight clearance all the way down to .003 with intake valves and .006 on the exhausts."
I agree. I think the range is TOO tight and some here even pull cams to put it in the middle of the range.

Those that get Rider tell me what you think. I couldn't find any way to link to it here.

 

[dduelin]

I have the same article in my ST1300 binder. What I think is that I'm not going to sweat over the next tight .009 or easy .085 clearance but I don't think I'll go as far as .006" on exhaust valves. It's my bike not Andy's.

 

[RCS]

Is Ask Andy going to pay for your engine rebuild if he is wrong?

In the video series we did on ST1300 valve clearance and shim replacements the bike we worked on had many exhaust valves out of clearance specifications. If I recall correctly, that ST1300 had about 45,000 miles.