My dl1000 seems to be sluggish and noisier than normal. This summer I've noticed it regularly gets to 3 bars on the temp gauge even though last summer it never did. Correlation - who knows?
I got 17,000 miles. Its time for an oil change. i've done before. I need to change the chain and sprockets. I've done that on my old royal enfield. I need to change the rear brake pads. Not too worried there. Then there is the issue of checking valve clearances. I have read many posts on the subject but really seem lost. I am a big picture learner. I understand that basically the valves allow combustion precursors (and products) to enter and leave the combustion chamber. That is where my understanding ends. I have read about "shim kits," "lining up things with other things," "torque wrenches," etc. I don't own a torque wrench or a "shim kit."
Can anyone point me to any resource that not only directs how to check and adjust valves, but one that is written for a mechanical dummy? I'd like to be able to understand why I am lining up this part whose name I have never heard with the other part whose name I have never heard. Maybe I'm asking too much. But you never know unless you ask. Thanks in advance.