How important is the valve adjustment on a motorcycle?

Valve clearances are important, but having them done by your dealer can be very expensive; it’s one of the main reasons a lot of bikes are traded in. But ignore them at your peril as over time your engine can be seriously damaged.

Do valves really need to be adjusted?

Does your engine need a valve adjustment? Due to the popularization of roller-follower valve train designs that reduce friction and hydraulic tappets (valve lifters) that help maintain optimal valve clearance, valve adjustment isn’t necessary as frequently, if at all, in modern vehicles as in older ones.

How much does it cost to have valves adjusted on a motorcycle?

If you bring your clean bike to a shop to check the valves, I’d expect them to charge you an hour’s worth of labour. So depending on their rate you could be looking at $60 to $100. If your valves are out of spec and need to be adjusted the price will increase significantly, again depending on what they charge per hour.

How often do motorcycles need valve adjustment?

between 3,000 to 16,000 miles
How often should you adjust your valves? Your owner’s manual will tell you—bikes’ typical inspection intervals are between 3,000 to 16,000 miles (4,800 to 26,000 km). And some engines use hydraulic adjusters.

Do modern Hondas need valve adjustment?

There are intake and exhaust valves. An engine valve adjustment doesn’t actually adjust the valve, it simply adjusts the space between the valve and the camshaft, so that all the parts can function properly. Most modern engines have valves that are self-adjusting, and don’t ever need to be adjusted.

Do all Hondas need valve adjustment?

Yes, you do have to adjust the valves, Steve. This is a problem that seems to be unique to Honda: Honda’s valves have a tendency to get too tight. On most cars, valves get looser over the years and start to clatter. But Honda valves tighten up, so you don’t get any warning noise.

How much do shops charge to adjust valves?

Between $246 and $336 is the average cost of a valve adjustment. The labor costs are between $220 and $278 while the parts cost between $26 and $58.

How much does valve clearance cost?

remember it’s about $100 an hour for labour.. Most bikes it takes an hour to get access to the valves and another hour to put it back together. so that’s $200 right there. Another hour to do the job and if they replace the gasket and charge you for the shims you are up to 3 hours and $400.

What are the symptoms of a bad valve adjustment?

This rough idling is caused by the valve opening late, choking off fuel. Stalling after a cold start is common. In other cases, you may hear a loud rattling noise as the valve knocks against the side of the shaft. Since some symptoms often disappear after the car warms up, they’re easier to ignore.

How much does a valve adjustment cost?

How long does a valve adjustment take?

Registered. Pros bill for half an hour to an hour. If you haven’t done it before it’s going to take you longer than 20/45 minutes.