Some shim under bucket questions

[dhgeyer]

I've checked and adjusted valves on bikes, but not with the shim under bucket system.  So, a couple of questions:

Do they come with the  same or standard shims from the factory? I just got a 2001 GS500 with 357 miles on the odometer, so it's safe to assume nothing has ever been done to the valves. If they are all standard, or the same, then I could get some replacements the next size up to be prepared.

If there is no way to predict what size is in there now, then is there an alternative to taking the bike apart and leaving it apart while I obtain the right shims if others are needed?

The bike has 800 miles on it now, and  I have no service manual as yet. The other items for the 600 mile initial service have been done, but not the valve clearence check. I'm assuming that, as long as there are no symptoms, I won't be damaging anything running it until I can get set up to do the check.  I don't run the engine hard, and have been at least close to the break in RPM recommendations.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Dave Geyer
Merrimack, New Hampshire

[Roadstergal]

If they are all standard, or the same, then I could get some replacements the next size up to be prepared.

You won't know what you need until you actually check.  You might need larger shims, smaller shims, or they might be *Goldilocks*Just Right*/Goldilocks*.

If there is no way to predict what size is in there now, then is there an alternative to taking the bike apart and leaving it apart while I obtain the right shims if others are needed?

Get a bunch of shims.

Or get Kerry's Kit, which has a bunch in it.  That's still not a total solution, since it might not have the ideal size for your valves in it.

[rritterson]

or you can just do the check, figure out what you need, then order some from (online parts dealer)/(local suzuki dealer)/(favorite place to buy stuff)

[gsJack]

First of all you have shim over bucket design and not shim under bucket.  Shim under bucket requires pulling the camshafts to change shims, the GS500 shim over bucket design does not.

I'd just pull the cam cover and check them, most likely they're OK.  If it's running OK now you can put the cover back on till you get some shims in the unlikely chance you need one.  Doesn't take long to do it.

My 97 GS500E didn't need any shim changes till past 40k miles.  My 02 GS500 has 31k miles on it so far without changing any shims.

[Bob Broussard]

Your bike has the shim "over" bucket. The shims are a standard size for the bucket. But they come in different thickness to adjust the clearence.
You need a special tool to hold the bucket down while you replace the shim.

The shim "under" bucket set up is a custom race item, for use with high lift cams. The cams must be taken out to remove the bucket and change the shims.

[dhgeyer]

Thanks for the information!

I think I just won't worry about it till I get the service manual. Then I'll check and note what's in there now, and possibly get some similar sizes to have on hand.