I have a suzuki bandit 1200 (2001) and I think it needs a valve adjustment. The engine is tapping at idle and while riding but I cant stop riding long enough to get it fixed. All the shops I checked with are booked for a week. Will I make the engine worst by riding it like this?
2007-06-23 07:34:04 · 10 answers · asked by robert c 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Noisy valves are better than quiet ones. Quiet means the valves are not fully closing, and exhaust gases will squeeze out the intake and exhaust ports causing burning of the valve seats.
Shouldn't hurt too much to ride it until it's convenient for you. Keep an ear out, if it starts to get louder or somehow changes suddenly, you'll probably want to take it in right away.
2007-06-23 08:58:50 · answer #1 · answered by cmice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a 1998 Bandit 1200S. These bikes have inherently noisy valves. As has already been said, loose is much better than tight. You can run with loose valves for a while without any major damage resulting (unless the screw comes out of the rocker and lodges in an oil passage...very rare) If you don't hear a clicking then the valves are tight and major damage can occur.
The Bandit does not have shim under/over bucket. The valves can be adjusted with a $10 tool from Suzuki (or one can be made for a couple of bucks). I adjusted my own, as a novice mechanic, and it isn't that difficult however you should synch the carbs after the service which requires a $30 - $100 set of gauges. Don't forget the feeler gauges either. Along with the Suzi tool, Guages and new gaskets from Suzuki you should have a shop manual or haines manual that will describe the process as well as appropriate tools like a torque wrench. This can also be time consuming for a beginner with many pit falls along the way and you have to measure with the engine cold, that means at least 24 hours since the last start up.
The long and the short...You can ride it for a while and (most likely) will not have a problem.
2007-06-23 10:44:13 · answer #2 · answered by goooodsheep 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Motorcycle Valves
2016-10-22 10:26:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drop off the tapping bandit at the shop. The adjustment will be made and presto back in business. Dont't be silly look around for an independent garage owner that will do it for $50 instead of the $200 the dealer will charge. What do you mean---can't stop riding long enough. Blow the tapping in to a big thump and you might end up hospitalized---cause it broke.
2007-06-23 07:46:06 · answer #4 · answered by Gerald 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an 83 gs and have cam end play at idle.If you dont push it hard it will be fine.I would rather hear the valves than not.Too tight and it will not idle and also be hard to start.Loose is better in this case.As long as it had the first valve adjument yo should be ok.Look at your manual or call the dealer to see what the valve clearance adjustment intervals are.
2007-06-24 13:41:12 · answer #5 · answered by tconroy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally this means there's more clearance between the cam and tappet/shim than normal. It should not be an issue if it's just a constant clicky sound.
Worst case might be a plugged oil galley to the cams/rocker assembly. Best case is use thicker viscosity oil.
It's no big deal to adjust the clearances, you'll just need to swap out the existing shims for newer, thicker ones, but it's labor intensive and if you've never done it, I'd just as soon ride until the shop can look at it.
"Loud Valves Saves Lives!"
2007-06-23 09:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by Dances with Poultry 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Motorcycle safety is a big factor that begins with the proper clothing. Leathers are the best and today you can find some nice stuff online that will fit the bill. Also riding boots is an excellent idea. The next best jean jackets and pants because no one wants to wear leather all the time. Jeans are the second best option. Cover the skin for protection from the strawberry road rash the best way you can is always recommended. Combat boots are a good idea but most any kind of boot will provide protection. Ridding boots sometimes come with steel toes for added protection. Never ride without protection for your feet and skin. No tennis shoes either. Army Surplus for combat boots you should be able to find online also.
2016-05-18 03:29:02 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parts will ware out faster then normal, if left un-adjusted.
The tapping is pounding on the valve stems like hitting them with a hammer.
The shock could allow the valve keepers to jump out and cause major damage.
It's putting un-necessary ware on the rocker arm shafts, rocker arms and tappet adjusters.
From the rocker arm shafts being bounced around, the head is getting worn.
Rocker arm shafts can be replaced, but you don't want
the head to ware out - BIG $$$$$
It will be safe to ride for a couple of weeks.
Make an appointment now!
2007-06-23 08:18:49 · answer #8 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tapping is ok the way the motorcycle engine work the valves get tighter not looser ask the dealer if they can give you a loaner bike while you wait on them
there must be a lot of broken bikes were you live are the dealership sucks
as far as doing it your self find out what you are dealing with if it is a shim under bucket set up the cams have to come out which is highly technical
if you do not own a repair manual for your bike i suggest getting one they are full of great info
2007-06-23 07:40:58 · answer #9 · answered by zx9r420 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Adjust the valves yourself. It really isn't that hard to adjust valves.
2007-06-23 07:39:27 · answer #10 · answered by david d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋