Now that riding season is over, I've been taking apart my '98 VTR in order to check the valve clearances. I just determined both exhaust valves in the front cylinder are a bit too tight (0.009"). In the rear cylinder, one intake valve is a bit too tight (0.004") and one exhaust valve is a bit too tight (0.009").

Next step is to get the proper size shims.

(although the bike ran fine and is still capable of doing a buck-sixty )

An opportune time to change out the coolant pump seal as preventative maintenance. The original one failed at 22,000 miles and the bike now has nearly 57,000 miles (although there is no leakage from the inspection hole).





The other preventative maintenance item to focus on is the possible problem with the cam chain tension I've been hearing about.

I've never had a problem with the cam chains. Is it the cam chain tensioner lifter, the cam chain tensioner or the cam chain guide that is prone to failure??

 

It's the tensioner, the little grey tube held on with two allen-head bolts.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I should install 2 new ones as preventative maintenance. The service manual refers to these as cam chain tensioner lifters.

 

Damn, your season is over? Getting close to that in NY, but we should still have a few fine days left...
Read up on the CCTs. I think you''l want to replace them with APEs based on everyone elses experience here.

 

In fact today looks to be one of 'em.

Storm Rider, I'd be curious to hear what the compression is on your motor when you've got it back together. I've got about the same mileage but the compression appears to be getting low, though I wouldn't know it from riding. It's about 130 now - I think the book says up around 160 is normal.

 

Right, APE's seem to be the preferred way to go. Just that I would have to guess at what interval to do the manual adjustment (at 5000 mile intervals??).

I will definitely check the compression and report back. No apparent problems to suggest the compression is getting too low (doesn't burn oil), but it would be nice to know.