Adjusting Valve clearance

[curious1]

After a lot of procastination and stripping the ST to an unsightly state I checked the valve clearances which need adjusting. At 45k it most likely never have been done and the tolerance is getting to close for comfort and long life. NOW my problem realy starts. After measuring the clearance multible times (once by a trusted friend) I have settled on a measument and adjusting guide. The left bank is managable but the right one is a problem which I am now consulting this community for advice. DO you need to remove the right hand cam tensioner or is there a way around it?
The book (Haynes) says to remove it but it is vertualy open hard surgery to remove all the things in the way of getting access to this tensioner.
Time is becoming a bit urgent since I would like to ride this Beast to Balranald in September. Luky the weather is getting on my side with days getting longer and warmer. I still will go to Balranald but maybe with one of my other bikes but preference would be ST.
Hope somebody can give advice otherway I have to suck and see for myself.
Cheers Alfred

[Brock]

Most unusual that they need adjusting at all. There have been a few that checked at 20000Ks, and 40, & 60 then stopped as the clearance hadn't altered.

I seem to remember that if the clearance is close to min, then dont worry as when the shim wears, the gap gets bigger. I could be wrong but.

Some expert advice will be along shortly.

[saaz]

The gaps on the STs usually close up over time, compared with older bikes where you could hear if the valves needed adjusting. So if you don't check and adjust you could get a burnt valve or two.

I am not familiar with the adjustment procedure on the ST1300, but someone should be along who has done it.

[Abe]

The gaps on the STs usually close up over time, compared with older bikes where you could hear if the valves needed adjusting. So if you don't check and adjust you could get a burnt valve or two.

I am not familiar with the adjustment procedure on the ST1300, but someone should be along who has done it.

I agree with Saaz, having checked my 1100 and 1300.  There are some great u tubey clips to show "how to do".
Have a look at these:-
https://www.google.com.au/?gws_rd=ssl#q=st1300+shim+adjustment

I checked my 1300 at 49k (when purchased) and all within spec, so no need to adjusted the shim's, exactly like Brock said.

[saaz]

I should add I have the shims kits for the ST1300 and the ST1100, but I am leaving tomorrow for 6 weeks away. Give me a call tonight if I can leave them somewhere. I also have your two jackets Alf.

[StinkyPete]

For what it's worth, my ST1300 has it's valve clearances checked according to the factory service schedule, and now at nearly 130,000 km, they have never been found to be out of spec.