Did a valve adjustment recently. The local Honda dealer just let me swap my old shims for theirs to get the sizes I needed. Apparently it's a pretty common practice, at least around here.

 

I called the shop here, NYC, and they said about $12 per. I know I'll need at least four, so I'm thinking that the set from Hot Cams is the way to go.

 

Thanks FTMS - it's great to get feedback from a pro.

 

Been using the shim sets from hotcams for about 6 years now. Have one of each size. Very much worth the buy in cost, just to have the right shim in the shop no matter which bike or motor I'm building on.

I have also gotton a bunch from a few used motor cycle parts places I buy from, and one local shop near me that sold the biz. I bought a few hundred jets, and a bunch of shims.

 

Chicken, I'd be willing to go in with you if there's enough shims to split?
Thanks,
RC

 

There is 3 of each size. And while chances are no one motor would need 3 of the same size.. It kind of defeats the purpose of having a kit.. if you do not have on hand everything the "kit" you might need for the job ...lol

 

The probability that you'd need 4 of each size is negligible that's why I'd be willing to buy half the kit, so I'd have 1/2 a kit that would meet 99.9% of my needs

 

I bought a complete set of hot-cams 9.48 mm shims for $150 a few years ago.
Its worth having a set if you are serious about doing your maintenence and keeping your love alive.

 

I bought a Hot Cams. Shim kit because it was much cheaper and convinient than buying the OEM Honda shims one at a time. I'd say the quality is the same, but the Hot Cams shims only come in .005" increments. The Honda shims are in .0025 increments, which makes it much easier to shime in the middle of the clearance.

 

I mill them down to custom sizes when things dont fit right. hehe I cheat.
But I do mill over the #s so some future mechanic isnt confused.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean about buying a lot of shims that most likely won't be used, but it would be a drag if by chance one or two of 'em were needed.

What would be cool is to find is someone who bought 'em, and then sold their Hawk and didn't need them anymore.

 

Hey lets just start a superhawk forum "shim bank" since everyone here rides hondas that require 9.48mm shims. Members pay postage and have to send their oddball shims they cant use for the swap.

 

Why don't you mill them for us upon demand.

 

Thats possible. Either way you still need to measure your shims with calipers, so milling isnt a bad thing.
Getting them all within 1 thousandth of an inch is a noble goal..