Valve Shims

[stutrump]

Dear all.
I am thinking to buy a selection of valve shims so that I have thèm ready before pulling the bike apart. My bike is my only transport so I cannot have it off the road for too long.
I notice that Wemoto sell shims for the XT1200Z that are 9.5mm but most of the chat I find on forums states that they are 9.48mm
It would seem that Triumph ones are cheaper but they are 9.5mm
Any advice as to which measurement is correct would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Matt51F1]

I can’t say much about whether the 0.02mm is going to be that much of a difference because Japanese bikes tend to be either large shims or small shims of those I’ve worked on.
As for buying a kit of mixed shims, that is an excellent idea because you keep the old ones & can measure them with a micrometer for future use of the numbers are gone. They are rarely an expendable item that can be thrown out.

With some places charging $7 or more per shim, it can become expensive very fast as opposed to a kit that may be around US$100 (going on the last time I bought one)

 

[stutrump]

Thank you. Yes indeed, it seems wise. I can buy a kit with 47 pieces in it for about £50.
To be honest I never mind spending money on tools or parts even if I end up with bits left over. After all is said and done, I will still save lots compared to having it done at a dealership

 

[holligl]

You do want 9.48mm.

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[~TABASCO~]

In my experience buying any shims before knowing what you need is maybe a waste of time and money. There are SO many combinations that could come into play it would be a long shot you order what you need before hand. I suggest measuring everything, pulling the cams, reading the numbers, doing the calculations, finding out exactly what’s you need and then ordering the shim(s) you need.

 

[gv550]

You do want 9.48mm.

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Yes. 9.50 will not fit.

 

[Tenforeplay]

Kind of like carb jets. You need two sets to cover the most popular sizes. Or buy the singles and pay more per piece. Or buy the set then fill in as needed.

 

[stutrump]

Thanks folks. I've taken out the old shims now and done all the measurements. I'll order new shims today (either singles or a set). If anyone is curious, I can report that after 57,000 miles, all my inlet valves were in spec but all of my exhaust valves were tight

 

[stutrump]

One more question for you all sorry.
When inserting the new shims, should the numbers face down or face up?

 

[WJBertrand]

One more question for you all sorry.
When inserting the new shims, should the numbers face down or face up?

It doesn’t matter which way the numbers are facing.


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[gv550]

I install them with the numbers up, because the end of the valve can wear the numbers off. Either way makes no difference in performance.

 

[MattR]

I always thought the numbers should be underneath.


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[tntmo]

The numbers can wear off either way, so it doesn't really matter.

 

[Matt51F1]

Which is why you have a good quality micrometer in your tool kit
The problem I have is that I work on things in both imperial & metric so I have to double up on special tools like that.

 

[Mr. BR]

I bought my Hot-Cams kit about 10 yrs ago... I'm far too impatient to place small orders with online retailers and then wait to see if they work or visit local dealers.
This gives me the flexibility to get it done and swap out shims as needed.... a bit overkill but it works for me. My FJR only needed 2 shims at 48K miles and no shims when I checked 30K miles later. AND, my '12 Super Ten uses the same shims and I will be checking those sometime this Fall. I've also lent out my kit to 2 other local FJR owners over the years but I don't recall if they actually swapped any shims. I did not have a shim kit when I owned my '95 Honda ST1100 and for that bike, I did just buy a few shims from the local dealer (very east valve access on that V4!!).
Regards,
Mr. BR

 

[Matt51F1]

I bought my Hot-Cams kit about 10 yrs ago... I'm far too impatient to place small orders with online retailers and then wait to see if they work or visit local dealers.
This gives me the flexibility to get it done and swap out shims as needed.... a bit overkill but it works for me. My FJR only needed 2 shims at 48K miles and no shims when I checked 30K miles later.
AND, my '12 Super Ten uses the same shims and I will be checking those sometime this Fall. I've also lent out my kit to 2 other local FJR owners over the years but I don't recall if they actually swapped any shims.
I did not have a shim kit when I owned my '95 Honda ST1100 and for that bike, I did just buy a few shims from the local dealer (very valve access that V4).
Regards,
Mr. BR
View attachment 104552

I’m with you on that! 100%

 

[Matt51F1]

I found my shim kit that I bought for doing the TDMs & they’re the same size (9.48).
Means I don’t need to buy another kit

 

[stutrump]

Thanks everyone. I put them in with numbers facing up. My 4 shims cost £55 from Fowlers.
Next time I will definitely buy a Hot Cams kit. Much better value and it would be good to have them here/ready, and be able to share with/help friends.
Putting the bike back together today hopefully.

 

[tntmo]

I usually recommend getting the kit. #1 reason is you don't have to wait to order individual shims, get it ahead of time and you can finish your valve adjustment in one shot. #2 is that the entire kit is just a bit more than a couple shims. #3 is that you can offer shims to your buddies and they buy you beer, I have got more beer than I could have bought for the price of the kit.

Good job, hope the valve adjustment procedure is going well.

 

[holligl]

I bought a Pro-X kit that has allowed me to get the jobs done with no waiting. The frustrating aspect is you are buying so many shims that can't ever be used for the bike. Second frustration is you only get 3 of a given size when you could need 4. Hasn't happened yet, but I have typically used all three of a given size. I keep a log of my wear rates so I can try to predict/anticipate the next shims needed. It would definately be nice to get a second kit for the .025 increments. A perfect kit would include the same number of shims, 4 of each size, covering the middle of the range for the bike, in .025 increments. Too bad no one offers that.

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