Does valve clearance need to be checked at the 600 mile break in service?
Valve check interval is 16K miles right?

Normally I do all service myself but if I can work the first service into the purchase price it would be nice...

* Last updated by: HankSD on 2/23/2012 @ 10:20 AM *

Hank, the valve clearance isn't checked at the 600 miles service. Other than numerous checks of the vehicle condition, the only servicing to take place will be the oil and filter change. Drive chain lubrication is listed as a 400 mile event and chain tension is a 600 mile check. Otherwise it consists of checking things out for leaks, loose fasteners, vehicle performance and general condition.

If you're financing then it really isn't wise to add the cost of a service into four or five years of payments. If you're paying cash then I'd just wait until you get the mileage accumulated before you pay for the service. Or better yet, read the manuals and do the work yourself if you're so inclined.

Thanks for the info! So the first valve check isn't until 16K huh.. wow that's nice.

Normally I do it all myself.
One dealer had offered the 600 mile service free - that's why I was wondering if it included much more than an oil change. That dealer is a few miles away though so I wasn't all that excited about going back there.

I'm sure it will take me a full day to check valve clearances the first time.. nice to know I won't be doing it for a while.

I never brought my 08 in for any sched maintenance. It was all done by me. The valve check should be done at 16K. That may be something you want to have a GOOD shop do. Too many stories of shops saying it was done but never did it.

I did my valves just recently at 28,500. Most were just barely in spec. Could have waited to adjust a while longer. There is a How To in the How To section.

My 08 has 49240 miles on it. I have never had the valves checked. Starts fine, runs well, fuel economy is good. If you are curious to see what it all looks like right now, pony up, then we all can learn something.

or just go to How-Tos and have a peek at the Valve Clearance Check and Adjustment tutorial.

21744, what I was told is that there will be no damage suffered until the the clearance diminishes to almost 0.

I would not want to get even close to that. I guarentee you, you have tight valves, getting tighter as they wear. Thing is, your motor runs quieter with tight valves, Like a a creeping death. I have heard of some not doing valve adjustments for high miles like you. NEVER heard of anyone having engines blow or valves melt from lack of proper clearance. Still, it's like an old tire. Best to take care of it before the inevitable takes place. ...and you are optimizing performance too. You may be surprised that your bike feels a little more peppy after a valve adjustment.

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/24/2012 @ 9:39 PM *

I was certainley thinking about a valve adjustment but the bike will be gone soon and I did not want to pay for that or the new set of tires that will be needed in a thousand miles or the battery after 4 years. I will price the bike accordingly and let the next owner handle that. This bike has never been red lined or run hard and I really doubt that the valves are that far out. I don't know how many bikes I have sent into the shop or adjusted myself and found that that the valves were just fine. Nothing could feel more peppy than my new 2012. 3212 miles on her and we ride tomorrow.

* Last updated by: 21744 on 2/25/2012 @ 7:43 PM *

well then it's up to you.

IMHO, I think I would tell the the buyer the valves should be checked cuz they are not just a little overdue; they are way overdue. But you know what they say, "buyer beware."

I will price the bike accordingly and let the next owner handle that.

You do good and good comes back into your life. I always thought that was why our Aussie buddies said, "Good on ya!" That's what it means to me, anyway. SOOO-- GOOD ON YA!