Valve Adjustment on a DL650

[dcarver]

Well, Wabs is pushing miles way past her allocated adjustment intervals. I've known she is overdue, but hey, the sun shines all the time here in Kali and, well, ok, I'm a bad human.

I thought about taking it to the best tech ever, Ivan, at Hidden Power Cycle Clinic in Paso Robles CA (shameless plug) then realized I'm freakin' B R O K E so I had had better try it myself.

The Suzook, mine and TwoWheelNut's beloved WABS, gets naked pretty easy. Not as much hassle as the FJR for example, although lots of stuff has to come off. The difference is, the entire nose comes off with just 1 electrical connector, 6 or so hex headed screws holding the plastic to the tank, and 2 main stays to the steering head.

OK, to the pix..

Here's a pix of the two head, valve coves off, and the throttle bodies. Ain't they cute? :wub:

Close up of the rear head..

Gigantic throttle bodies on this 650..

The forward cylinder - had to remove the radiator for access (actually not, but I was pretty sure valves would need adjustment, and I want it out of the way)

Here's a 'gotcha'. This little guy sits in the head, looks like an oil seal, (yikes) and can come out easily when removing the valve cover. I'm glad I saw it on the second valve cover I removed and even happier it was still attached to first valve cover I removed!

It lives here..

Only a handful of hardware..

and tools are required.

Seriously, this is *appears* to be a novice-friendly bike for ham-fisted so-called backyard mekaniks.

Well, excepting it's made, well, uh, 'cheaply' meaning that bolts don't have captive collars and washers like on the FJR. Or like the rear axle spacers are a PITA to get on as there are many and you run out of hands. Unlike the FJR for example. But then again, this is a 'cheap' motorbike. You can purchase a fully farkled DL for less than 3k these days, ride that bike all over the world, trouble free. So I get it, and love the idea.

My next decision point - attempt to adjust the valves myself or take it to Ivan the Magnificent Technician? I have 3 that are slightly out of spec, all exhaust.

.....

hey, this is kind of fun - I posted up a Harley RR yesterday, and today a DL650 valve adjustment report! On a FJR forum! :lol: :****: :lol:

......

 

[Khunajawdge]

Seriously, this is *appears* to be a novice-friendly bike for ham-fisted so-called backyard mekaniks. Well, excepting it's made, well, uh, 'cheaply' meaning that bolts don't have captive collars and washers like on the FJR. Or like the rear axle spacers are a PITA to get on as there are many and you run out of hands. Unlike the FJR for example. But then again, this is a 'cheap' motorbike. You can purchase a fully farkled DL for less than 3k these days, ride that bike all over the world, trouble free. So I get it, and love the idea.

Just like the ol' ZG 1000 Connie! "Do-It- Yerself!".

Now that you've joined the club, Welcome!

 

[Zorlac]

"I have 3 that are slightly out of spec, all exhaust."

How many miles & is the first time?

I bought a new wee the end of April and may check the valves like I have on my feej...almost once. :derisive:

55-59mpg, I ain't phukkin with it. :thumbsupsmiley: