question about the 4000 mile check up

[mountindewGS]

How importend is it to check the valev adjust and re-adjust at your 4000 mile check up?

[scratch]

I'll just say it's a really good idea.  It keeps the valves opening and closing at the proper times, for the proper durations, without overheating them.  If the exhaust valve clearance is too little it wont be able to transfer enough heat to the head in the small amount of time it's in contact with the seat, resulting in a burned valve.  There's a reason why it is called preventive maintenance.

[nsaP]

I have no first hand experiance with the GS's yet, but afaik unless you have a Ducati most manufacturers put in low check times on the valves to cover their asses if something goes wrong.  Pretty much every bike is around 4-6k and I don't think many people need them adjusted that early.

Technically that is bad advice tho.  If you are capable or have the cash for someone else you should probably check them at least.

[pandy]

Pretty much every bike is around 4-6k and I don't think many people need them adjusted that early.

I think my better half's FZ6 is scheduled for its first adjustment check at around 26k miles? It's only 15k miles on my SVS. 

My commuter GS was always happier with properly-adjusted valves (ie. every 4k miles). 

[Mandres]

The first valve check is the most important.  You can easily check it yourself with basic hand tools and a $5 feeler gauge.  Search for Kerry's valve adjustment video, it walks you through the whole process.

[mjn12]

The first valve check is the most important. You can easily check it yourself with basic hand tools and a $5 feeler gauge. Search for Kerry's valve adjustment video, it walks you through the whole process.

+1 - I got my feeler gauges for 3 bucks at pep boys they go .4 - 1 mm
     - The video says it all, I'm new to wrenching on my bike, I watched the video and it was extremely easy
     - If you find out you need to change shims the shim tool is only 20 bucks, or if you ask nice someone on the board might loan you theirs ( I just bought one and its gonna sit in my tool box for another 3900 miles)

[nsaP]

The first valve check is the most important. You can easily check it yourself with basic hand tools and a $5 feeler gauge. Search for Kerry's valve adjustment video, it walks you through the whole process.

True, I started reading up on this and a lot of people who check them religiously have only had to adjust them the first time.

[nArKeD]

I went 10K from the 1st adjustment and they were still in spec.  As long as you do the inital service, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.  Just don't put it off forever.