valves
#2
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.
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.
#5
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