I know that we all read that we should have the valves checked at 16,000 miles, but I am wondering who has actually had to have the shims replaced to bring the specs back to stock?

Having read most of the posts on this and the other Silverwing site, I think very few folks ever really needed the valves adjusted.

My bike just turned over 16,000 miles and runs like a champ. Starts instantly and never misses a beat. I have no intention of getting the valves checked - I am concerned that a mechanic might goof something up putting it back together, and can't see any possible improvement.

Please let us know your experience.

Thanks,
Philip

Checking the valves is not difficult and any mechanic could do this competently. All that's involved, besides removing some tupperware, is to remove the valve cover, spark plugs, and have access to the variator nut for rotating the engine by hand using a ratchet.

The timing marks on the camshafts are aligned and then the clearances checked with a feeler gauge. A small T-shaped tool is needed, either factory or DIY (very easy), to lock the cam chain.
That's it!

As for actual shim replacement, the cams must come out, which also isn't that big of a deal. The service manual takes you through it step by step. The only special tool needed there is a micrometer to measure the shims which need replacing, and some basic math.

Actually made it a poll.

Sorry Dale. If you want to move or delete my post, be my guest.

No need, just seemed odd to call something a poll when there was no poll attached.

What you added was good info.

I have the mechanical aptitude of a chimp. Actually, that's an insult to chimps. I like having the factory manual, because it makes it very apparent to me which items of preventative maintenance I am capable of carrying out and those which are better left to people with actual skills.

Valves are something I wouldn't personally try, but again, the manual is of value because at the least, it shows me what the mechanic is going to do. Bigbird's description of the process is excellent...