Valve Shim Q's

[the_finch]

My bike now has over 22k, and the previous owner never had the valves shimmed. So, I find myself with the telltale ticking that says I need to shim the valves VERY soon. I'm gonna install my clutch and FP shift kit, and well as NRC RS cover soon, so with the oilchange coming with that, I was thinking I might as well shim the valves while I have the motor cracked.

First quesiton: How hard is it to do a valve job with the motor still in the bike?

Second question: Assuming that the bike has the original timing chain, do I need to replace the timing chain, or do I just need a manual timing chain tensioner to take up any slack?

Third question: If I get the timing chain tensioner, do I need adjustable cam sprockets to get the cam timing down perfect?

Opinions, experienced advice, or random bits of wisdom are more than welcome.

Thanks in advance for the help.

the_finch

[Luke-a-Tron]

If you unbolt the radiator and just let it hang, it's not too hard. You'll probably want to get the front wheel out of the way too. If your coolant is on schedule to be flushed, go ahead and take the radiator all the way off.

The cam chain should last the life of the engine. I don't think adjustable cam gears are even available. They are not needed in either event. Just make sure the cam timing right with the chain tensioned. It's easy to be off by a tooth once you tighten down the chain.

[jsph.mitch]

anyone have a writeup on the shim job?