(01-05-2018 08:59 PM)ohiorider Wrote: I've generally done most of my routine maintenance on my old airhead BMWs and Moto Guzzis. And on a Kaw W650 ....... and a 2003 Bonneville. And others. Matter of fact, on all of my previous bikes.
However, there is just this certain something about checking the CB1100 valve clearance that makes me think " ....... off to a good dealer ...... ." Much less removing cams to get to the shim under bucket adjusters.
Just looks like way too much in between me and the valves. I know my personal limits.
Bob
If you don't mind paying a dealer, by all means, if you trust them.
On the other hand, if you've gotten other bikes apart to the point of being able to check the clearances, figure maybe four more hours to remove the cams and replace them. I just use four hours to account for a first-time effort. Two is more like it.
You do need the fancy little tool to lock the tensioner in place and I think that set me back about $90, but if the dealer is $800, easy to do that math.
Just getting to the valves is somewhat more difficult than any bike I think I've ever done. It's a real puzzle, and easing that camshaft cover out was an interesting exercise. Had to be done "just so." But it's nothing that a fairly patient mechanic couldn't do.
Took me eight hours to get my bike stripped down, inspected, and reassembled.
Also, keep in mind that your bike will likely not have any valves out of spec.
I guess the romantic view of things is that checking valves is getting to know your machine a lot better. There all kinds of things you need to disconnect and keep track of, and redo them exactly the right way. Just removing the fuel tank is a special procedure. But very "do-able."