Author Topic: Valve clearances - How vital?  (Read 1358 times)

Offline Snoozy

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Valve clearances - How vital?
« on: June 26, 2023, 04:59:59 PM »
Hi folks, just would like to know thoughts on valve clearances.
My bike has done 95k kms and it seems previous owners have not done V clearances.
I know it's a scheduled item on servicing.
Probably need to check them first.
Bile seems to run and sound fine.

I'm in the Mt Gambier region. Recently moved here from Melbourne. Can anyone recommend any good, reliable Honda servicing/workshops?
I can wrench a bit, but valve clearances might be a step too far.
Might have to go to Geelong/Adelaide to find one.

Here are some pics and info on the new acquisition:
ST1300A with ABS and Elec screen.
Seems to have a Sellerie seat...Italian I believe...comfy.
Delkevic exhausts.
Oxford heated grips.
Heli bars
Towing set up with Anderson plug for charging.
Tinted screen, thicker than factory
Levers look aftermarket, can anyone confirm?

Guy I bought it off did some serious kms putting on over 50k kms in just over 2 years.
He kept up good servicing changing oil/filter every 7k kms, air filter, final drive oil.
Came with Haynes manual, tank/map bag, full toolkit with tank prop.
He did lay it down gently on its left side, scuffing left side fairings/panels...nothing major though.

Looking forward to riding this, 2UP as well...weather permitting, it rains A LOT in this region.
 :bl11
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Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2023, 07:04:44 PM »
Hiya Snoozy...

I can't help you with the valve clearances as I haven't had mine done as yet as my ST only has 53 thousand clicks on the clock.

Re the levers, they are definitely aftermarket... :thumbs

I've never heard of that brand seat; seems a bit of googling is in order on my part...  :think1

Anyhow, here's hoping some of our other members can help you out with some recommendations etc....


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Offline ruSTynutz

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2023, 07:11:17 PM »
I quick search on google tells me the seat is actually made in France...
I think I have seen them advertised previously but the name didn't ring a bell when you mentioned the brand...  :||||

https://www.topsellerie.com/@EN-FR/honda-pan-european-st-1300-2002_102.html


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 
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Offline Snoozy

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2023, 07:20:40 PM »
Yeah, I found that website too  ++
2006 Honda St1300
1972 Ford F-100
2010 HD Street Bob
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1999 Suzuki Hayabusa
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Online StinkyPete

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2023, 06:58:34 AM »
When I had my ST1300 I was very fussy with servicing, and always had the valve clearances checked in accordance with Honda's Service Schedule.  They NEVER crept out of spec for all the time I had the bike.   ( I can't remember the mileage when I sold it.....   Shillas will know??)
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Offline Brock

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2023, 02:50:20 PM »
In the history of various forums for the ST1100/1300, I have never heard of any one needing to adjust the valves. It seems the specs were written at the time of manufacture, but use has shown no changes..
Brock
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Offline Biggles

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2023, 06:41:48 PM »
In the history of various forums for the ST1100/1300, I have never heard of any one needing to adjust the valves. It seems the specs were written at the time of manufacture, but use has shown no changes..

Yep, that has been my experience with my ST13s.  The only mechanical things that seem to wear out/ go out of spec under 200,000 clicks are the forks and shocks. Oh, and maybe the steering head bearings.
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

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Offline Snoozy

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2023, 07:25:26 PM »
OK....I guess that answers that.
Thanks for the responses.
2006 Honda St1300
1972 Ford F-100
2010 HD Street Bob
2015 Ducati 821 Monster
2015 Victory Judge
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2010 HD Nightster
1999 Suzuki Hayabusa
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Offline West Aussie Glen

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Re: Valve clearances - How vital?
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2023, 10:12:25 AM »
Welcome Snoozy, with a good seat all you need now is MC Cruise Control. I use this web site to look for part numbers and even to check how things come apart so maybe they would be worthwhile checking out for any dealer needs you have. ttps://bluecitymotorcycles.com.au There is lots of useful info on OzSTOC but given the age of your bike recommend you read this thread. http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=13796.0 I have friends in Victor Harbor with bikes and there are a couple of good bike places there if you need one just not sure about their experience with STs.
Glen
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