Posted by Tim Schroeder on February 05, 2000 at 03:24:06:
In Reply to: Valve clearance, performance, and QC posted by Jim on February 03, 2000 at 06:46:50:
Jim,
I have a 1996, and as I store it inside in winter I check everything out before each riding season. I did my valves this winter (3000 miles on the bike) and found that one was about .007, which is probably why I heard it last fall. The clearance is supposed to be .003-.005, and I set mine at .003. It was tricky, and I had to adjust each one a couple of times to be accurate, but all seems well now and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works this spring. I used a small piece of feeler stock bent to fit, and used an offset box end wrench to tighten the nut. There is a torque for this nut, but how to get a torque wrench to work in the tight space is beyond me. I just snugged it up tight, should be OK.
Overall, for the price, I think Suzuki put together a great machine, except for the welds, etc. The forks are thicker than Harley's, and the belt wider and there are full 1" bars. I also like the controls and switches, they seem stout and dependable. Doing your own maintenance is best, if you have the tools and time, as most bike shops have somewhat dubious characters working in service. At least that's what I've seen around here.
Have fun !
Tim