Valve Adjustment

Hello everyone,
New here and to the VTX world. I just bought my VTX1800R 3 weeks ago used, and it is everything that I have ever dreamed of, Power and comfort. It has about 23k on now and I think it needs the valve adjusted. I am hearing clicking while ideling. The question is, is it fairly easy to adjust them myself or do you recomend spend the money have the dealer do it. Let me preface by saying that I hate taking my bike to the dealer, since I feel that I am getting ripped off, just me. I am somewhat technical with cars and hopping to be with the VTX. So far I have replaced the oil, oil filter and sparkplugs. Also Darksiders wanabe will bug you guys about that very soon.
BTW, this is one heck of a forum. Keep up the good work!!

Ahmad

Hopefully Inspector #484 will by here soon to give you advice. He does if for a lot of guys. He should be able to warn you of what and what not to do.


.........................bobby

.

Thanks Bobby, I have been lurking around for a while and reading up on the Darksiders movement. It is very interresting concept and cant wait to give it a try with some help of course from this group.

Thanks again
Ahmad

4runner wrote:Hello everyone,
New here and to the VTX world. I just bought my VTX1800R 3 weeks ago used, and it is everything that I have ever dreamed of, Power and comfort. It has about 23k on now and I think it needs the valve adjusted. I am hearing clicking while ideling. The question is, is it fairly easy to adjust them myself or do you recomend spend the money have the dealer do it. Let me preface by saying that I hate taking my bike to the dealer, since I feel that I am getting ripped off, just me. I am somewhat technical with cars and hopping to be with the VTX. So far I have replaced the oil, oil filter and sparkplugs. Also Darksiders wanabe will bug you guys about that very soon.
BTW, this is one heck of a forum. Keep up the good work!!

Ahmad

I had the same noise when I bought mine. I even had the stealer check them. they said it was normal. it wasent until I started using synthetic oil that the clicking went away. good luck...Griz

This bike makes ticking noises, get use to it. When the ticking stops is when you should probably worry the most as it will possibly mean the valves are to tight. Here is a write-up from the California vtx riders club, it is one of the most beneficial write-ups I have read yet http://www.californiavtxriders.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=16792&p=200178&hilit=valve+adjustment#p200178 good luck, go to sears and get the necessary tools if needed. You may also want to read up on the quick disconnect for the gas tank vent line, it will help out in the future.

If you have not already explored these sites, almost anything you want to know or do to an X is one them:
http://www.vtxoa.com/
http://www.bareasschoppers.com/
http://tech.vtxoa.com/

There is an excellent how to write up on the texh.vtxoa.com site under 1300 engine section, the writer gives the clearances for an 1800 also, everything else is pretty much the same.
Valve adjustments are not fun, but not that difficult if you have any mechanical skills.
Good Luck, ride fast but safe!!

Thanks everyone, These links are pretty impressive. Just want to say that I am almost to the darkside. My bike is on the lift with the tire of the rim. The question is what tire to go with? I have noticed some of the members are going with Toyo's. So I might give it a try.

Thanks
Ahmad.

I like my toyo, if I had to do it over again I would go with a slightly taller tire. Currently running a 55 and think a 70 would do more to correct the speedo. But with the conditions I have put this tire through I can say it is a good one. Everything from 100 mph (trying to ride with Kermit) hard right uphill sweepers, dragging the boards all the way. To 50 mile an hour cross winds in a thunderstorm. This tire took it all and never flinched. Awwww to hell with the speedo, I will get another one of these

See you out there
Smokey

Amen Smokey, Toyo it is!!!!

Thanks
Ahmad

Well, I think the Bridgestone Potenza is better... but hey... It's all good. I'm heading down to Houston this weekend to get a valve adjustment lesson. Looking forward to it.

I'd agree, the 55 is maybe too short. I wish I'd gone with the 65 instead of the 55. I'd joke around that I'll just wait to wear this one out... LOL But seriously what I may do is wait until I can afford the chrome rims, then change at that point.

I went cheap with 205 60 16, will see how it goes. Gonna work on it tonight and attempt to install it.

Good luck with valve adjustment. Please take notes on Valve adjustment and share it if possible.

Thanks
Ahmad

I won't be taking notes, because I'll be spinning the wrenches. It's a learning trip. Hopefully I'll be able to do valves with the help of a walk thru after I've done one.

"I like my toyo, if I had to do it over again I would go with a slightly taller tire. Currently running a 55 and think a 70 would do more to correct the speedo. But with the conditions I have put this tire through I can say it is a good one. Everything from 100 mph (trying to ride with Kermit) hard right uphill sweepers, dragging the boards all the way. To 50 mile an hour cross winds in a thunderstorm. This tire took it all and never flinched. Awwww to hell with the speedo, I will get another one of these

See you out there
Smokey"


Im running the Toyo tire too 205/55/16 on my 1800 X and installed a 1300 Final Drive on it. The 1300 Final Drive put the speedo and rpm back close to where it was with the stock tires. You can pick up the 1300 Final Drives for about 275-325 on the VTX forum. I would suggest posting a WTB. I love the final drive with the lower tire. Now I can touch the ground.

Cheers,
Rowland

Just a note on the valves.... easier than I thought it'd be.