Could Someone Please Check my Valve Shim Calculations?
 

Hi there.

My 2007 KLX250 is new to me, so I thought I would check the valve clearances. The specifications for this bike are as follow:

Exhaust: 0.15 - 0.24 mm
Intake: 0.10 - 0.19 mm

All four of my valves measured 0.152 mm (all of the shims currently on the bike are the same at 2.98 mm, which I assume started out as 3.0 mm? I can't read the numbers).

They are all in spec, but getting a little tight on the exhaust. I figure I might as well take care of it now since I am in there.

I have heard that it is a good idea to go to the larger end of the range, since that will buy me the most time. Is that indeed the way to go? If so, here are the shims I think I need:

Exhaust: 2.892 mm
Intake: 2.942 mm

So, with all my current clearances being 0.152 mm and all my current shims being 2.98 mm, am I looking at the correct shims to set the clearance to the high end of the specifications?

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Looks good to me.

Is it just me or do you have the new shim sizes mixedup between intake and exhaust?

Nope, I have them backwards. I have them the correct way on my sheet, but I typed them in wrong. It has been fixed. Thanks!

Can I use the 7.48 mm diameter shims from a Honda? They are half the price of the Kawasaki shims!

Yes, that is the correct size.

You have to start using HONDA oil though! :D :D
;)

Off to the Honda dealership to get shims....and oil :p

Just bought my shims (hot cam brand) at Factory Recreational in Midland Ontario for 99 cents a piece!

If you live anywhere near Midland, that is the place to go! Nice guys as well.

Yah that's cheap, I paid 6.50 recently for a shim at my local shop, they wanted to give me 1.50 for the old one, I opted to keep it at that price.

On the topic of clearance; valve clearance(being tight or loose) can alter valve timing. It would be interesting to play around with different clearances through the acceptable tolerance range to find what works the best(makes most power) I'm thinking being on the tight side would create the most power.
Thoughts??