[malder]

When I got back from the desert last week I pulled the bike outta the hauler and decided to fire it up to ride it to the back yard (tired/lazy). Well, it wouldn't start. I noticed over the course of the trip that the bike was taking longer and longer to fire up. It barely even sounds like it wants to start (if you know what I mean). I tried to get it started for a couple minutes and gave up for another day. Exhaust was hot, so I assume there is some combustion taking place.

Any suggestions of where to start? Does the hot exhaust rule out a fouled plug?

Thanks

Matt

[JAWS]

You can try the plug, etc, but I suspect it is going to be time to check the valves. This is a classic symptom.
Joe

[malder]

So I checked the valves - the exhaust looks like it's within spec, but the intake, well... I can't get anything in there. Looks like there is zero clearance. I stick the feeler in there and it kinda sticks, but doesn't go in... I assume I'm doing it right and I just need to shim it, right?

Thanks for the help.

Matt

[JAWS]

Yes, you can shim it, but you had better order the parts now. The shimming is just a temporary fix. When the intakes go to zero, then they will not hold for long after you shim before you have to shim again. I wouldn't plan on too many long rides. Set your self up with the Kibblewhite stainless valves if you can afford to. The valves are not that expensive, but you have to buy the springs too and that doubles the cost. You will get much better wear out of them, though.
Joe

[P99]

Hello Malder

Currently in the shim and shim again stage. 05'250X wouldn't start, checked the valves, right intake zero clearance. Re-shimmed, rode three rides about 10hrs, shimmed again, rode two rides about 5 hrs, won't start need to shim again and hopefully get another ride or two out of it.

Plan to get Ron Hamp to supply a new 07 R head with his valves and springs.

Understand that the 07 R Head should have better valve seat material, can someone confirm this? Don't want to spend the money putting in KBW valves and machining the 05 head only to have the seats wear out again because the material is sub-standard.

A guess a good thing about all this is that one becomes very well aquainted with every nut and bolt and very fast at shimming valves.

P99