Just want to say thanks to a very informative forum. I finished my first valve adjustment this weekend and it all went very smoothly. I did plenty of searches and reading before hand to make sure I avoided too many surprises. I was sweating bullets a little because I bought a bike with some deferred maintenance and was afraid the exhaust valves would be way too tight, but luckily everything was all within spec, although one of the intake valves is close to minimum.
One observation as I was putting everything back together was that it almost looks like you can get the valve cover off without pulling the airbox and carburetors. Although I couldn't tell if the throttle and clutch cable coming over the top would hinder the process too much.
Has anyone tried to pull the valve cover and adjust the valves without yanking the carbs and airbox? Is it possible with some finesse?
i didn't have to remove the carb and airbox. i believe kerry mentioned that in his video too.
I've done 22 GS500 valve checks without removing the air box and carbs. A bit tricky sometimes working the valve cover out rearward between the cables but can be done.
You can loosen the cable @ the handlebar if needed, but yes it can be done.
I also have @ one time refabbed my cables to run along the frame, somethign like 6 inch longer choke and 9 inch longer throttle cable.
Cool.
Buddha.
Never had to loosen or remove anything,except the tail plastic and fuel tank to get to the valve/cam cover.