How often have camheads needed adjust

I'm running a 2010 camhead RT. I've not got that many miles on it yet (busy year but this one should be better). But I am hearing other owners saying on the checks (12,000 and24,000 mile) theirs have not been out of spec.

What's been the general experience of camhead owners?

Thanks for your thoughts!!

I replaced three shims at 6,000 miles.

I looked at mine at 1000 - 4000 - 6000 miles...just cause I could

At 1000 on the tight side but within spec...barely.

At 4000 still on the tight side but within spec.

At 6000 the ones that were on the tight side but still within spec. were starting to loosen up.

Decided not to look again till 12000 miles, but the trend seems they are working themselves nicely into spec. I personally think you will see loosening instead of tightening as miles are accumulated on the camheads.

manual says range is: intake=.13mm-.23mm------ exhaust=.30mm-.40mm

Under seat says: intake=.006"------ exhaust=.030"

Two shims at 6,000 miles. Second check wom't be until a little latter this summer.

Purchased 2010 R1200RT used. Checked at 6000 mi and all in spec

I changed 6 of the 8 at 6000. The intakes were all at the tight end of the spec (maybe outside it, but my feeler couldn't hit it exactly). While I was at it I moved all to the middle of the spec as best I could. Only had to buy 2.

Are you guys buying shims before you check the valves or you buying them after you check the valves? My dealer is a 100 mile round trip away. It would be nice to check and change as needed at the same time.
Which shims are you guys buying?
Mike

mosrrt said:

Are you guys buying shims before you check the valves or you buying them after you check the valves? My dealer is a 100 mile round trip away. It would be nice to check and change as needed at the same time.
Which shims are you guys buying?
Mike

Click to expand...

I have a chart and have listed the shim sizes currently in use. I then bought several shims of the next up and down sizes. This way I will have what I need without needing to buy an entire cabinet full of shims.

I left the bike apart and went to the dealer the next day on the way home from work. I'm fortunate to have a dealer very nearby.

Thanks for all the reply's.

My dealer actually declined a 6000 mile check because no bikes were that far off. My 12000 mile is due so I thought I would do the check part myself. Seems like a very simple procedure as described in the OTL.

Thanks again!