Say, I am coming up on needing an oil change and was wondering what kind I should use???
Not trying to start yet another oil thread but you are going to get a lot of different responses by a question like I am just out of spec on my valve clearance. For me, I inspect and when out of spec, I re-shim. Granted after you have done it a few times on various bikes and have a shim kit, it isn't that big of a deal. Take your time and do your research there is plenty of info out here and the worksheets that go a long way to taking care of this maintenance item.
A Tech Event is one option. The only word of warning I have for that is that the engine should be cold. Maybe the tech event is close enough and you have the option of riding over the day before. Then that is fine. If not, I would be a little hesitant. You could wait until it cooled off but then you are burning most the day and have a big project to do. Also I will say this about tech events. I have been to them, even hosted them. I agree they are great. I would be a little hesitant as well to the fact that you can get lots of fingers working on a bike. It is helpful when you don't know what you are doing but best intentions sometimes ends up in a case of who took off part
_ and where did it go? Was everything torqued to spec? For something more sensitive like this, personally I would look for more one on one help. Or maybe someone else is getting a re-shim done. Then be the helper for it so you can see the process. They are great for installing driving lights and some other maint. I would just be a little cautious with valve clearance changes. If it is a just a check then that is fine.
I agree that by the time you hear something it is way too late. Granted my hearing sucks due to blast damage when I was in the Army. Who knows, maybe someone out there has super hearing though...
As others kind of hint at, is it tight and holding or has there been a big change. That is why checking and logging is helpful but you can't go back in time and see how they have progressing if you don't have it. You only have your current readings.
In the end it is your decision. Kind of like what kind of oil you are going to use. There is a spec. I am sure that the spec has a little wiggle room. Honda probably is the only one that would know. I follow the spec and move on. That is hard this time of year as everyone wants to get out on the road. It is also hard for us to make a recommendation as we don't know how your ride or the history. Are you running around all day bouncing off the rev limiter? Are you an Iron Butt Rider and have plans this year to rack up 50K miles? Do you only commute 5 miles each way to work and that is all the riding you get in because of everything going on in your life? All of these things would impact what my recommendation is for should you adjust now or if it can wait for a winter project.