What engine do I have  By  miken (Read 1,874 times)

the way i start my ride:
check the oil/coolant.
make sure the brake levers don't bottom out.
i start the bike.
then i put on my gear, usually just gloves and helmet, but sometimes an added scarf if it's really cold.
do the walk around my bike checking for loose/missing bolts/panels.
no WOT for the first 15 minutes.

i usually don't ride in temps less than about 35-40 F., mainly because of slick conditions.
plus, on long rides my fingers get too cold.

W(ide) O(pen) T(rottle).

Time depends on how familiar they are with the body on the bike, the engine and whether there are frame components that make it more difficult. Expect to leave the bike overnight since the valve adjustment must be usually be done on a stone cold engine unless you have the Honda 244 which gets its valves adjusted using external adjusters with the engine running,

Expect 1 or 2 hours and maybe 3 if there are any problems getting the panels or valve cover off. On my Aprilia with the Piaggio 250 once you get to know the bike it can be done in an hour even though there are 4 valves to adjust since there is an access panel to get to the valve cover and just enough room to slide it off to the side without disconnecting everything or fully disassembling the seat bucket while other bikes actually have a frame member in the way and you have to disconnect the rear shocks so you can pivot the engine enough to remove the valve cover without catching it on the frame.

Fine if you ride often and use a fuel system treatment to offset it once every few tankfuls. If you ride every other weekend and put the bike in storage for months at a time then not so good.

Is there a special tool top get the panels apart or is it good luck