Hi everyone,

My scoot has now done 17000 miles and i would like to get the valve clearance checked.

Any ideas what this task would cost to get done?

I can only speculate for you. If you want an exact quote then I would phone a Honda shop. Sometimes independent shops are cheaper and better. My Honda dealer sells automobiles as well, and that's their focus. Their lone motorcycle tech is just a kid in his early 20's with 1 year shop experience.

Checking the valves isn't that big of deal. The front tupperware does have to come off. I'm going to say 2 hours at $80/hr, so between $150 and $200 to check the valve clearances of all 8 valves. Now actually adjusting the valve clearances is a different kettle of fish. Both camshafts have to come out, some micrometer measurements of the old shims are required, and then some math calculations have to be done to determine the thickness of the replacement shims. I'd say another 2 hours + parts (shims and valve cover gasket). So that might run around $400 total, depending on how many valves may need adjusting.

You can't be in a hurry to do this job thoroughly. Unfortunately, most techs are on flat rate or book time. A computer tells them how long it should take an average tech for the labour on a particular job. If the tech can beat that time, they still get paid for the book time, but in reality start another job while still being paid for the previous job. It's in the tech's best financial interest to work as fast as they can.

Please post your actual costs and results when you do get it done. I plan to do my own checking and adjustments when the time comes, as I have a shop manual, micrometer, time, and patience.

My take-----if you ride a lot and trade often, just ride it until trade time. Let next worry about it.

I hate shims---I figure more difficult for guy at home-----As experiment, Suzuki GS500E---Checked valve clearances at home at 1,200 miles=ok but easier check than plastic scooter. Then as it was cheap bike with warranty----just rode it---15 months later and 64,000 miles, all ok as I traded it in. No valve/cam related problems.

SilverWing, after 30,000 miles I might want to check.

My Citroen BX 2000 no turbo diesel, shims, went over 400,000 km with no check---had servied in Italy (great) Germany (parts) changers and most often in Bitche France (great and skilled in the shop). Never valve/cam problem.....or anybody eager to check as pain in butt.

John Grinsel

hi jamie i was quoted £440 for a valve clearance check at my local scooter dealer i politely told them to something off.my swing has now 68500 on the clock and running fine.little signs of valve checks are engine becoming noiser or if they tighten the bike will become harder to start and not peform as well as normal.i will check mine at 100000miles as i dont want to waste my time i would rather be riding.good luck with what ever you do.