I'm getting ready to do a valve clearance check on my 01 CBR600F4i.
I have the factory service manual so I know what I have to do and how to do it. The only thing I want to know is, what is the valve clearance measurement I should be trying to get? For example, the manual says the intake valve clearance should be 0.20 +- 0.03 mm so does that mean that if I have to replace the valve shims I should try to get as close to 0.03mm as possible? Or does it mean I should get as close to 0.20 mm as possible? Or does it mean I should try to get the clearance right around the middle at about 0.11 mm?

Also, if the valve clearances are somewhere between 0.20 - 0.03 does that mean that I don't have to replace the valve shims and won't have to check it for another 16,000 miles?

I'm really confused about this...don't know if the clearance decreases over time due to the valves seating further in(meaning the valve clearance should be set as close to .20 mm as possible) or of the clearance increases due to carbon buildup(meaning the valve clearance would need to be set as close to .03 mm as possible).

 

It means you're shooting for .17 to .23. Anywhere in that range is good. If you are out of that range, use the shim that best brings it into the range.

 

There is a equation, a=[b-c]+d a,new shim,b measured clearance,c specs,d existing shim measurement

 

Ooohhh I got you! So the clearance is supposed to be .20 but it can have a .03 mm difference added or subtracted and it will still be in the safe range. That makes sense, should have realized that. So then does that mean that if all the valve clearances are between .17 - .23 mm I won't have to replace the shims and won't have to check it for another 16,000 miles or should I replace the shims even if it's within the .17 - .23 mm spec so I can get it as close to .20 mm as possible? My bike has 20,000 miles on it so not sure if the valve clearances could still be within the spec or if I will most likely have to change the shims.

 

If it's in spec, leave it alone. Check again at the next scheduled interval.

If a valve is at .19, there is not a .01 smaller shim to bring it to .20. You'll see...

They may not even be out of spec at this mileage.

 

Ok I think I understand everything, I feel confident enough to start now. Thanks for the help!

 

No problem.

Good luck!

 

Hope it works out for ya. I'm at 24,000 on mine and have checked valve clearance twice. Still in spec and have never had to adjust. It's a Honda afterall

 

I had 11 out of the 16 valves be WAY out of spec. 6 intake valves where at .13.... Then I broke off a valve cover bolt and had to remove the head!