Knock knock...who's there?? My Valves...I think...

[smoker]

So my bike has been knocking when it gets hot, usually when it returns to idle or when I'm sitting idle at a light.  I'm assuming it's the valves, since I've read of the need for valves jobs, and I've checked out the 'how-to' and it seems pretty easy.  I'm the third owner, and the bikes got a little over 8K on it.  Seems kinda early to me for a valve job, but with three different riders, seems possible.  Has anyone else experienced this and fixed it by adjusting the valves?  Occasionaly I think I can smell gas in my exhaust, also making me think one of my valves aren't running tight.  Any suggestions before I get out the wrenches?  

Gibby G.

[mjm]

So my bike has been knocking when it gets hot, usually when it returns to idle or when I'm sitting idle at a light.  I'm assuming it's the valves, since I've read of the need for valves jobs, and I've checked out the 'how-to' and it seems pretty easy.  I'm the third owner, and the bikes got a little over 8K on it.  Seems kinda early to me for a valve job, but with three different riders, seems possible.  Has anyone else experienced this and fixed it by adjusting the valves?  Occasionaly I think I can smell gas in my exhaust, also making me think one of my valves aren't running tight.  Any suggestions before I get out the wrenches?  

Gibby G.

If you hang around the forum long enough (or just check the archives) you will find that our venerable twin comes with a built in knock at idle and low revs due to cam shaft end play.  That said, the valve check and adjust if needed interval is 3000 miles and at 8000 you are long overdue.  Gas smell could just be a slightly rich mixture.  Check the other parts of this site for the maintenance recommendations and for instructions on how to adjust the valves - search on valve adjustment would also yield some good information for you.