What all do I need for tuneup{easiest way}

[wildbill]

I`am asking this so I can plan ahead when it gets warm enough to do anything.The main thing I`am worryed about is valve adjustment and how to replace shims.Have read about different ways to do this.What is the best and easiest way?Hate to sound like a dummy but never done this before. Thanks P.S. Don`t want to take it to the shop that cut my wiring all up.

[xssiveone]

Bill, check here for a step-by-step I did on this procedure. XS Valve adjustment
It's not that difficult a task to do.

[pgg]

Bill, I change the shims by first removing the camcover then measuring all the intake and exhaust clearances. Then I remove the cams completely - put the shims in a numbered egg carton or similar, then sit down with a calculater and figure out all the maths for replacements. You really need to take a couple of days or so to do the whole job as not to rush things too much.

Its easy to stuff up all the adding and subtracting if in too much of a hurry. You can often be able to swap certain shims around if you're lucky. Getting the camchain back on in the right position can be a bit of a hassle sometimes - It can take 3 or 4 attempts to get the cam 'dots' lined up bang on after rotating the cams. You need a 22mm spanner. Counting the number of chain links between the camsprockets is a help.

I reckon the main thing is to take your time with the whole job.

[xssiveone]

Getting the camchain back on in the right position can be a bit of a hassle sometimes - It can take 3 or 4 attempts to get the cam 'dots' lined up bang on after rotating the cams.

If you're going to be removing the cams for this, zip tie the cam chain to the cam gears before removing the cams. I do this on my Kaw as it has a "shim under bucket", rather then "shim over bucket" like the XS. This way, as long as the crank isn't moved, the cams will be in time when you replace them.

[pgg]

Xssiveone, I found with zip tied sprockets the cranksprocket still slips off the links on an xs11. Also getting the tied sprockets back on the cams is difficult.

[wildbill]

Thanks for all the tips.I guess it all depends on what your used to.I have adjusted valves on a 4 stroke dirt bike a very long time ago,but this is the first shim type have ever attempted.Don`t know which would be easier.About as wide as it is long. Thanks it will be spring before I try this so I`m all ears.Cam removal would be easy in one way,same with the other.More advice is needed still in the dark but its getting a little lighter.Thanks

[xssiveone]

Originally posted by pgg
Xssiveone, I found with zip tied sprockets the cranksprocket still slips off the links on an xs11. Also getting the tied sprockets back on the cams is difficult.

I didn't have to unbolt the cam gears when I did my Kaw as there was enough slack to move cam and gear assy. enough to remove the valve buckets, after removing the cam chain tensioner. I assumed there would be enough room to do this on the XS. Too bad, sure made retiming the Kaw easy.

[wildbill]

What I`am thinking about is, have heard or read where can swap shims from one to another to get right clearence.See if I have this right,loosen,remove cam-chain adjuster.Can`t you get enough play to move each cam around enough to change the shims?Will be a while before I try this,supposed to get freezing rain and snow this weekend.{needs to be alot warmer}If I can do that without causing a major disaster that will help if need to switch shims.Thank you To cold to do anything outside so am asking a large pile of questions.

[pgg]

Wildbill, once the camchain is loose, you may as well remove the cams anyway, as the whole idea is to give plenty of room to work with. Its the easiest way without a special tool. As you check the clearances before doing any of this, you may find the shims are all within spec anyhow. If only one or two shims are 'out' - doing the job with the (rip-off) special tool would probably be easier. Money or time your choice.

[wildbill]

Originally posted by pgg
Wildbill, once the camchain is loose, you may as well remove the cams anyway, as the whole idea is to give plenty of room to work with. Its the easiest way without a special tool. As you check the clearances before doing any of this, you may find the shims are all within spec anyhow. If only one or two shims are 'out' - doing the job with the (rip-off) special tool would p robably be easier. Money or time your choice.

Thanks,I`am starting to make this bigger than it needs to be.Hopefully,everything will be in spec. anyway.Will see what happens when I get into it.Can`t be no worse than cleaning carbs When ever the weather gets so I can work on it.Thanks Cabin fever does that to you.