I have a 96 CBR 900. I was thinking I need to have the valves adjusted but a guy was telling me that the bike has self adjusting valves. Is that true?

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

That's sort of like someone telling you your stock cam chain tensioner is self adjusting.

Or that your bike changes oil automatically.

 

The VFR750 (early 90's) motors had self adjusting valves (hydraulic).

 

Thanks man. Now I feel like a fool [&o]

 

Your valves are not self-adjusting, but in a way they are. My '96 now has 43,000 miles and I have checked the valves every 8,0000 or so and it has NEVER needed even one valve adjusted! Of course you still need to check them, but I wouldn't stress over it.

Its not difficult to do yourself - the hardest part is getting all the stuff out of the way (the job goes alot easier if you remove everything from around the cover, carbs, hoses, etc (give yourself plenty of room by loosening the radiator mounting bolts and pushing it forward) and getting the valve cover off - because you have to really get it at the right angle to clear the frame and the cam gears, and then when replacing the cover getting the gasket seated correctly (use a little silicone at the ends where the half-round cutouts are).

Get the factory manual - it shows how do the job very nicely. The manual shows how to make a little "key" to hold down the chain tensioner - you can cut it out of flat 1mm metal with a Dremel tool - it took me two times to cut a good one ;-)

 

I asked the Honda mechanic if I had to check my valves on my old '92 f2 which had 21,000 miles and no valve checks ever...he said he's seen motors (HONDA motors) with 50,000 miles and no valve checks and they were fine!

Now I dont' feel like such a fool.... [&o]

 

Which is whythe words "Honda" and "bulletproof" are often said in the same sentence.