I want to do a full tune-up on my F2. Not sure if it needs it, but it has 26000 miles on it, and I think it would be fun to do. I am reading Clymer's manual, and it lists tune-up procedures in the following order: 1)air filter 2)adjust valves 3)compression check 4)spark plug check 5)ignition timing 6)adjust carburetors. The manual says to do them in this order in order to restore full performance. On a scale of 1-10, how hard is the valve adjustment part? I am mechanically inclined, but have only done basic stuff to my bike so far. It looks pretty involved by looking at the manual, but.... should a first-timer try it? Thanks for replies

 

I've thought about it due to the cost saving. But then I realised that the replacement shims would be a hassel, unless you have other transport to bike shop to get the right ones (thickness) after you have finished measuring with the feeler gauges. Not much point having to put it back together just to ride to the shop and then have pull it apart again.
But on the upside to your question, the CBR's are a lot better than some when it comes to replacing the shims, I have not done it myself, mainly because of wot you said, it is fiddly (plus the fear factor), but I think you would be able to do it, and it would be very satisfying to know you did it yourself. (Zen & the art of motorcycle maintenance)

 

if you have patience and a general mechanical knowlege(and dont get discouraged when it looks like a grenade hit your bike)you should be fine. its not that hard, just tedious. parts organization is a must.

 

How many miles are on your bike to start with????? Does the top end rattle??
Everyone just jumps straight in at the deep end & attacks the job then makes a complete hash of it,
If you do attack the job be very careful not to break the CAMSHAFT BEARING CAPS. if you bust these your in big trouble, cause they can't be replaced on their own you have to buy a new cyl' head, this is the biggest and common problem with DIYs doing there own shims, I'm not tryin to discourage you, just be cautious....

Check the valve clearances 1st, it should tell you how to do this in the manual. If they are OK leave them alone,
Make sure the engine is cold when you check them...


Intake clearance 0.13 ~ 0.19mm (0.005 ~ 0.007 in)

Exhaust Clearance 0.19 ~ 0.25mm (0.007 ~ 0.010 in)