i have a 2006 ninja zx6r and i was wondering how to tell if the valves need readjusting it just got 12k miles on it any help would be great.

 

Without digging into it, one way to tell (but definitely not a science) is a complete lack of valvetrain noise. Contrary to what some people believe, some valve noise is desirable. It means the valves aren't too tight, which is a very bad thing.

Speaking for myself, if there's any question about the state of my valves, the valve cover comes off and the feeler guage comes out. There's a range of measurements that the distance between the cam lobe and the lifter should fall within. If it's tigher than spec'd, eventual harm will come to the engine. Remember that valves tighten over time, not loosen, and neglecting them will cause damage to the head.

I believe the ZX bikes have shim under bucket systems, which I haven't tackled yet because the cams have to come out. I much prefer screw & locknut (older Kawasakies and the Ninja 250 up to 2007) due to its simplicity, but it looks like that's a thing of the past.

 

ok i wanted to know cause my bike has started to make a noise that i cant really desribe but the sound is coming from the front of the engine

 

The problem is the valves tighten over time. So you would not get much noise. But it could bend a valve so, if you don't know when it was done last, then I would check them.

 

ok cause i took it to a local mechanic and he told me it needs a valve adjustment but i didnt believe him to much i only been riding for 5 months so im new to the whole working on the bike thing

 

welcome to Kf 327ninja

 

thanks i always viewed these forums but never posted till now

 

welcome to KF 327. what county is lakeland in?

 

united states its in florida

 

i did'nt say country. you in dade county? volusia?