When Should you really do a Valve Adjustment? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Cruzin4Life · 08-28-2008, 05:18 PM

So I bought my 06 Boulevard m50 with 890 miles on it, got a great deal on it too! The first scheduled service is said to be at 600 miles, and since it was a trade in for a different bike, the dealer had no clue if it had that service done. So my question is, now that I have almost 1500 miles, do the valves really need to be adjusted at 600 miles? I know I have read alot of posts explaning how the dealers charge a ton for the first service, but dont even bother looking at the valves. I know what the valves are, and can hear them quitetly when my bike is on, do I need to be listening for something else to see if they need adjusting?

Thanks,
Dan

Rockyrikoko · 08-28-2008, 09:43 PM

To my knowledge, unless their making noise, you don't know unless you get them checked periodically.

BudTheGrey · 08-28-2008, 10:25 PM

If the motor in the M50 is anything like the one in the C50

you should be more worried if the valves don't make noise -- that means they are too tight, and will definitely wear faster. The trick is determining what is "excessive" valve train noise; there's always a bit of valve noise on my C50. I had them adjusted at 3000 miles, and again around 14000.

YMMV

raycogxxx · 08-28-2008, 11:46 PM

The service dept at the dealer (I was dumb enough to buy the pre-paid service plan) don't even check til 7500 miles.

cyclesinct · 08-29-2008, 12:57 PM

I picked my bike up last night from the dealership after its 15K mile check-up and I asked the guy about adjusting the valves @ 600 miles and if it was really necessary. I told him there is always a ton of debate about it online. He said they don't recommend it and don't usually check unless you either insist or you can really hear them. He said with the newer engines (the M50's) that there experience has been that it isn't needed because the production quality of the engines has improved so much. He did say they check at 7,500 miles and every 7,500 check after that. I know mine were a little tight he said, but not bad, and this was the first time I've had them checked (but I bought the bike with almost 8K on it and can't speak for work done prior to that). He did say though, that if you have the precursor to the M50, the Maurader 800 that those should be checked with the 600 mile service. He also said that he thought with the newer model M's that Suzuki had taken out the valve check recommendation with the 600 service, but he wasn't sure. Anyone with an '08 manual confirm/debunk that? Because you bought it used, if your really nervous about it then get it checked, the only harm done is to your bank account. But if they don't sound out of whack and the bike is running well I'd probably wait until the 7,500 mile service to have them checked, but just my opinion. In the end the choice is yours.

mR vMan · 08-29-2008, 01:05 PM

apologies for the hi-jack-centric reply...

speaking of manuals for the C50 - anyone able to recommend a resource where they can be obtained/purchased?

Allred800 · 08-29-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclesinct

He did say though, that if you have the precursor to the M50, the Maurader 800 that those should be checked with the 600 mile service. He also said that he thought with the newer model M's that Suzuki had taken out the valve check recommendation with the 600 service, but he wasn't sure.

I have an 04', does that mean i have to check the valves every 600 miles?

cyclesinct · 08-29-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allred800

I have an 04', does that mean i have to check the valves every 600 miles?

No, just the initial 600 mile service checkup.

Cruzin4Life · 08-29-2008, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mR vMan

apologies for the hi-jack-centric reply...

speaking of manuals for the C50 - anyone able to recommend a resource where they can be obtained/purchased?

I also didnt get a owners manual with the bike when I bought it. I had a local suzuki dealer get one.

Dan

Cruzin4Life · 08-29-2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks again guys. Ill probably wait for the 7500 to role around. The valves sound fine, I just got my owners manual though, and came across the service checklist. So thought I would ask!

Dan

Cruzin4Life · 08-29-2008, 10:42 PM

Oh yeah, one more thing. How do I get my "Newbie" status gone. Do I have to post a certain amount posts before I get full customization privileges?

diamond_jim · 08-29-2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzin4Life

Oh yeah, one more thing. How do I get my "Newbie" status gone. Do I have to post a certain amount posts before I get full customization privileges?

You have to earn it by coming up with a cool mod and posting a how-to about it.

NateHarris · 09-01-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzin4Life

Oh yeah, one more thing. How do I get my "Newbie" status gone. Do I have to post a certain amount posts before I get full customization privileges?

or send $50 to my paypal account

cyclesinct · 09-02-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateHarris

or send $50 to my paypal account

I'll tell you how for $45...

cyclechris · 09-02-2008, 03:26 PM

LOL! A bunch of Entrepreneurs!

08-28-2008, 05:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cruzin4Life Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Colorado Posts: 72	When Should you really do a Valve Adjustment? So I bought my 06 Boulevard m50 with 890 miles on it, got a great deal on it too! The first scheduled service is said to be at 600 miles, and since it was a trade in for a different bike, the dealer had no clue if it had that service done. So my question is, now that I have almost 1500 miles, do the valves really need to be adjusted at 600 miles? I know I have read alot of posts explaning how the dealers charge a ton for the first service, but dont even bother looking at the valves. I know what the valves are, and can hear them quitetly when my bike is on, do I need to be listening for something else to see if they need adjusting? Thanks, Dan __________________ 2006 BOULEVARD M50 Cobra Streetrod Pipes, K&N filter w/ AirBox mod, TechlusionFI unit, John's Kit Forward Controls, Saddlemen Drifter Saddlebags, L.E.D. Brake Modulator w/ extra Brake L.E.D. 1" Homemade lowering kit Future Mods: Seat lump, Handlebars, Risers (trying to relocate the speedo!)

08-28-2008, 09:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rockyrikoko Clunked into first gear Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2005 Black C50 & 2006 Silver M50 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 229	To my knowledge, unless their making noise, you don't know unless you get them checked periodically. __________________ ----------------------------------------------- *There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot. -Steven Wright ----------------------------------------------- Current:* Fully de-baffledLowered 2 ½”PCIII USBDe-stickeredClear turn signal lenses (not on rear yet)Chrome tank seam trimKüryakyn hyperchargerKüryakyn wide style leversM109r mirrorsWider/taller handle barsSilverstar ultra headlightOEM highway barsPlate mount modStock seat lumpectomy mod Upcomming:* Küryakyn ISO gripsThrottle bossKewlock grip end helmet lockDe-pairSmall rear turn signals that mount to the rear fender mounts (suggestions)*A new "single rider" seat (daytripper, profiler, classic solo, stinger... dunno)

08-28-2008, 10:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	If the motor in the M50 is anything like the one in the C50 you should be more worried if the valves don't make noise -- that means they are too tight, and will definitely wear faster. The trick is determining what is "excessive" valve train noise; there's always a bit of valve noise on my C50. I had them adjusted at 3000 miles, and again around 14000. YMMV __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

08-28-2008, 11:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
raycogxxx Sprocket Pilot Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: 2006 M50-Blue Location: Ft Worth, Texas Posts: 852	The service dept at the dealer (I was dumb enough to buy the pre-paid service plan) don't even check til 7500 miles. __________________ "So long as they don't get violent, I want to let everyone say what they wish, for I myself have always said exactly what pleased me." -- Albert Einstein 2006 M50 Blue, Jardine Slash Cuts w/custom baffles (courtesy of BlueM50Chick), Saddleman Profiler Seat, Memphis Shades Poptop shield, Tour Master saddle and fork bags, Küryakyn Dually ISO-Pegs, Stebel Airhorn.

08-29-2008, 12:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
cyclesinct Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: Boulevard M50 Location: Connecticut Posts: 707	I picked my bike up last night from the dealership after its 15K mile check-up and I asked the guy about adjusting the valves @ 600 miles and if it was really necessary. I told him there is always a ton of debate about it online. He said they don't recommend it and don't usually check unless you either insist or you can really hear them. He said with the newer engines (the M50's) that there experience has been that it isn't needed because the production quality of the engines has improved so much. He did say they check at 7,500 miles and every 7,500 check after that. I know mine were a little tight he said, but not bad, and this was the first time I've had them checked (but I bought the bike with almost 8K on it and can't speak for work done prior to that). He did say though, that if you have the precursor to the M50, the Maurader 800 that those should be checked with the 600 mile service. He also said that he thought with the newer model M's that Suzuki had taken out the valve check recommendation with the 600 service, but he wasn't sure. Anyone with an '08 manual confirm/debunk that? Because you bought it used, if your really nervous about it then get it checked, the only harm done is to your bank account. But if they don't sound out of whack and the bike is running well I'd probably wait until the 7,500 mile service to have them checked, but just my opinion. In the end the choice is yours. __________________ '05 M50 black MAPAM backrest Corbin dual tour Highwayman Jumbo Straight Bags Johns Kit forward controls Debaffled exhaust

08-29-2008, 01:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
mR vMan Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: 2007 Boulevard C50 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 38	apologies for the hi-jack-centric reply... speaking of manuals for the C50 - anyone able to recommend a resource where they can be obtained/purchased?

08-29-2008, 10:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cruzin4Life Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Colorado Posts: 72	Thanks again guys. Ill probably wait for the 7500 to role around. The valves sound fine, I just got my owners manual though, and came across the service checklist. So thought I would ask! Dan __________________ 2006 BOULEVARD M50 Cobra Streetrod Pipes, K&N filter w/ AirBox mod, TechlusionFI unit, John's Kit Forward Controls, Saddlemen Drifter Saddlebags, L.E.D. Brake Modulator w/ extra Brake L.E.D. 1" Homemade lowering kit Future Mods: Seat lump, Handlebars, Risers (trying to relocate the speedo!)

08-29-2008, 10:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cruzin4Life Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Colorado Posts: 72	Oh yeah, one more thing. How do I get my "Newbie" status gone. Do I have to post a certain amount posts before I get full customization privileges? __________________ 2006 BOULEVARD M50 Cobra Streetrod Pipes, K&N filter w/ AirBox mod, TechlusionFI unit, John's Kit Forward Controls, Saddlemen Drifter Saddlebags, L.E.D. Brake Modulator w/ extra Brake L.E.D. 1" Homemade lowering kit Future Mods: Seat lump, Handlebars, Risers (trying to relocate the speedo!)

09-02-2008, 03:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
cyclechris Ditch Magnet Joined: May 2008 Bike: 2008 M50 Posts: 169	LOL! A bunch of Entrepreneurs!

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