flightline
11-23-2008, 03:40 PM
Well...I know, you should not run 26K before you check your DL650 valves for the very first time, but I thought I would let you know what I found when I finally got back from a two month trip to Alaska and all points between. I was going to get them checked before I left...just to be on the safe side, but when I got a look at the dim whit that would be turning the wrenches at the dealer, I said NFW.
During my 2 month trip, it seemed impossible to get anyone to accomodate me to get a valve check done....so I just said "screw it". Just getting new tires installed and an oil change was about as good as it was going to get on that trip. Honestly, I said to myself before I left....this bike will probably be trashed by the time I get done...so I was willing to "write it off" as a cost of the trip. Besides, the bike was running great...and I grew fearful of letting somebody mess it up while in no mans land.
Once safely back in SC, I finally decided to check the valves at 26K...and with lots of tips and help from this forum, I tackled the task myself. The tip about removing the front fairing as a single part (2 bolts) was invaluable. The tip about how to avoid the cam chain tensioner removal would have also been very helpful had I actually had to adjust the valves....but I did not.
Checked the valves and they were still in spec. albeit on the lower end of the spec. My exhaust valves were all at .008-.009, and my intake valves were at .004-.005. My plugs looked great...nice and tan. Since the valves are on the lower limit, I'll probably check them again in 10K. Doing the clearance check the second time will take me half the time as originally.
I ran synthetic oil after the first 600 miles and changed it about every 6,000-8000 miles while on the 2 month trip. I am amazed that my DL650 runs just as good as the day I left for Alaska.
During my 2 month trip, it seemed impossible to get anyone to accomodate me to get a valve check done....so I just said "screw it". Just getting new tires installed and an oil change was about as good as it was going to get on that trip. Honestly, I said to myself before I left....this bike will probably be trashed by the time I get done...so I was willing to "write it off" as a cost of the trip. Besides, the bike was running great...and I grew fearful of letting somebody mess it up while in no mans land.
Once safely back in SC, I finally decided to check the valves at 26K...and with lots of tips and help from this forum, I tackled the task myself. The tip about removing the front fairing as a single part (2 bolts) was invaluable. The tip about how to avoid the cam chain tensioner removal would have also been very helpful had I actually had to adjust the valves....but I did not.
Checked the valves and they were still in spec. albeit on the lower end of the spec. My exhaust valves were all at .008-.009, and my intake valves were at .004-.005. My plugs looked great...nice and tan. Since the valves are on the lower limit, I'll probably check them again in 10K. Doing the clearance check the second time will take me half the time as originally.
I ran synthetic oil after the first 600 miles and changed it about every 6,000-8000 miles while on the 2 month trip. I am amazed that my DL650 runs just as good as the day I left for Alaska.