Valve Clearances on a 2017 R1200 GSA

[bobs_one]

Just finished checking the valve clearance on my GSA. Everything was within spec with the measured clearances more towards the smaller limit (tighter) rather than the larger clearance limit.

I always assumed the clearances would reduce over time as valves "wore in" but a friend recently told me that with these bikes the clearances get larger with time/use.

Is that correct?

 

[akbeemer]

Just finished checking the valve clearance on my GSA. Everything was within spec with the measured clearances more towards the smaller limit (tighter) rather than the larger clearance limit.

I always assumed the clearances would reduce over time as valves "wore in" but a friend recently told me that with these bikes the clearances get larger with time/use.

Is that correct?

My experience is with three wetheads. 1. 53,000 miles, no change in any valve. 2. 43,000 miles, one exhaust valve 0.01mm tighter. 3. 13,000 miles, in spec.

 

[LFarling]

Just finished checking the valve clearance on my GSA. Everything was within spec with the measured clearances more towards the smaller limit (tighter) rather than the larger clearance limit.

I always assumed the clearances would reduce over time as valves "wore in" but a friend recently told me that with these bikes the clearances get larger with time/use.

Is that correct?

Valves wear tight on these bikes. That is why it is needed to check so it does not hammer your valve seats down.

15 RT never changed from new. 17.5 GS exhaust valves on tight side from new. I changed all 4 to make them closer to mid range as two got tight in 12K Have the 30K coming up on the GS to have a look again.

 

[Omega Man]

Added the bike to the title.

OM

 

[wattster1]

I have replaced two shims on my 2016 RS, both times going one size thicker.

The first time was at the 12K check. Since this was the first check I did not have a baseline to compare with, so I don't know for sure if it increased or decreased, but if it was in spec when new then it must have increased.

The second was at 48K and the clearance was right at the upper limit, so I went one size thicker to bring it back to the middle of the range. It definitely increased from previous measurements.