SuperHawk Forum - Cam Bucket Shim Numbering explained

Our VTR1000F's use a 9.5 mm diameter valve adjusting shim under the bucket follower .

I've seen some ridiculous post's about the web stating some dealers charge up to 10 bucks each for shim exchange when the do it yourselfer's are adjusting the valve clearance at home .

I've also seen where the nicer dealers will trade shims with a guy but ....

The system goes like this

A number 190 shim is .075 thick
A number 195 is .077 thick

Saying each step is .002 difference .

Just get the heel of the cam lobe on the bucket and take measurements with engine cold and note on a piece of paper . Deduct or add clearance needed then replace with proper sized shim .

I see where the manual says to remove the cam sprocket from the cam when replacing shims . I see no real need to do this as it just adds work and if your dealer charges and arm and a leg for shims www.hotcamsinc.com now sells mini shim kits for I think 4.75 per shim and the Suzuki SV1000 and maybe the Hayabusa uses the same shims if a local Zuki dealer is willing to trade out with you .

Always place the lazer inked number side down towards the valve stem so the bucket don't scuff the number off and many times one shim from a bucket might just be the correct one for another valve on the engine saving need to get more shims than needed .