Here is my unfinished tutorial: http://www.calamarichris.com/zx9r/valveadj1.htm
I tend to clean everything on the way in and take my time and do a thorough job, so it's a little long.
I'll try to get it done if the weather ever gets bad enough that I won't be able to ride.



-CCinC

 

WHEEEEW, its been a while since ive been here. ive been busy with work and race season.
i must thank chris for the pics, i still have them somewhere? on a disk, maybe a camera card? who knows its been so long.
i notice chris left the last reply (with pics), i want to thank him for this, as i said it was his original post i started with.
Kudos chris, and thanks.

 

When checking the valve clearance with a feeler guage, how much pressure does it take to fit the feeler guage under the cam? I mean, if it's too thick, will it fit in or not if you use enough force? Some are real tight but will go in if enough is applied. Want to make sure my calculations are correct.


Thanks!

 

Never force the gauges. You will feel the drag of the gauges.

 

That's what I was thinking, but just wanted to double check. This is my first Kawasaki shim/bucket adjustment so I want to do it right the first time.

Thanks!

 

So you are on it. Cool

 

Yes, I've got it ready to check the valves. I'm going to take my time at this and make sure everythings right. The bike can stay the apart for awhile since I'm done riding for the year. So this might take me some time to finish, but I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks Dragone#19

 

I have a new 05 ZX-12R. The factory calls for a valve adjustment every 7,500 miles. What can you tell me regarding what others have found as far as out of spec clearances on thier first 7,500 mile adjustment? Is it necessary to adjust that often? Also, does the 12 have shim over bucket or is it like the 10's?

 

Welcome to the forums muleskinner
Not to sound harsh here, but shouldn't you read your service manual? to see what a great ride that you have bought? Ok, you may not have the manual yet.
Yes, shim under bucket
I checked my 7 with under 3k on it and the factory tolerances were out of whack. Have a little over 5k on the 10r and plan on checking soon. I tend to think that checking after break in is the best. I do not know of the 7,5k checks on the 12r, all I do know is that after readjusing after break in, things run pretty darn good.

 

I just bought the bike this week. I have not purchased the service manual yet. That is why I posed the question on this forum.