Valve shim size?

Thanks, Larry. That's what I suspected, but the Dennis Kirk website says the smaller shims won't fit and suggested the bigger ones. 7.48mm it is, then.
 
I've just been out and measured some - having realised that my shim spares and some new brake lines are about all I have left of my ST1300 days.

7.4 + mm diameter. I didn't read the vernier scale to get it exact - it was dark. Definitely not 9+ mm

None of the shims are that thick - the thickness size is printed on one face 120 to 195 in steps of 0.025 mm
ie 120=1.20mm; 122 = 1.225mm; 125 = 1.25mm; 128 = 1.275mm; 130 = 1.3mm etc up to 195=1.95mm
 
Since the valves on the STs do not drift out of spec that often, you will probably be better off checking the clearances first, then pulling the cam(s). Often you can swap one or two pairs of shims and then need to buy only one or two. This would be cheaper than buying a whole kit for (last time I checked) $60 to 70. If you have a friendly dealer or mechanic nearby, they might even swap you your old shim for the one you need.

Once upon a time I think there was a shim kit floating around here. You might post a request or ask for the shims you need.
 
I bought myself a Hotcams shim kit many years ago and have "topped up" a few sizes as these have been consumed. The same 7.48mm shims fits VFR800s and VFR1200F, so it is an investment that has paid off many times over. I have even bought replacement shims from Aliexpress and these have passed my micrometer measurements with flying colours.. With the rapid development in the Chinese export bike industry, my fears of poor quality from there are pretty well gone.
 
TerryS said:
With the rapid development in the Chinese export bike industry, my fears of poor quality from there are pretty well gone.
Click to expand...
I think the reality is the Chinese can manufacture things as well as or as poorly as anyone else, it all comes down to who is running the show and what are their production standards. Its not always easy to figure that last part out unless its a name brand that you're familiar with.
 
SMSW said:
Since the valves on the STs do not drift out of spec that often, you will probably be better off checking the clearances first, then pulling the cam(s).
Click to expand...

I have, and they're out a bit. I didn't write down how far they were out, but it was enough for me to go, "yup... time for some shims."
 
TerryS said:
I have even bought replacement shims from Aliexpress and these have passed my micrometer measurements with flying colours.. With the rapid development in the Chinese export bike industry, my fears of poor quality from there are pretty well gone.
Click to expand...

My only concern with AliExpress shims would be their hardness.
 
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