There should be drag as you attempt to put it in and take it out. It shouldn't feel like you're having to wedge it in.

Yes, you're using the same shims, but you don't know which shim went on which valve. If you put in the correct shim, the clearance could be right. Put in the wrong one, and it could be way off in either direction, meaning way too tight or way to loose.

I'm curious to know, there are 16 valves and shims. Of the 16 that you have how many unique sizes of shims do you have. Like, do you have 3 of one size and 4 of another and the rest are all different from each other ?

 

I have shim sizes 192, 195, 198, and 200. The majority are 192's.

You guys were not lying about this being a major headache. I don't know how many times I had to do this process, more than I'd like to admit that's for sure. So I have it just about all dialed in except for 1 stupid shim. I have them all fitting within tolerance except for one on my 2nd cylinder intake side. It is not even close. The spec calls for .008 +/- .001 and I'm sitting about .005. I have the smallest of all the shims under that bucket and even the smallest bucket. So now I have two questions, I'm sure its not good to run the engine with one out of spec like I have, but what damage will it do. Second where can I get just a few shims without having to purchase the whole shim kit?

 

You can buy single shims directly from Honda. You just need to figure out which one you need.

 

The bike has been SHIMMED!! Thanks IDoDirt for all the help.

 

Congratulations, I think that was one of the toughest lessons to learn on checking valve clearances.

On a positive note, right this minute you're probably the most experienced person on the planet for checking and adjusting valves for your bike.

Well done man!!