I'm going to be doing valve adjustment this week. This is going to be my very first valve adjustment.
According to FSM, there is a special suzuki service tool that I need to push the cam follower. Is there any other tools that I could use to press down the follower?

And any other tips or cautions from people with experience in this would be appreciated a lot.

You need calipers, the valve compression tool, (which doesn't work very well) a set of feeler gauges, and shims.  Kerry, one of the moderators here, made a video a few years ago that walks you right through the job.  Don't leave a spacer in like he did and have to take it apart all over again!  Here is a link to it:

http://www.jackardisana.com/gs500/

Oh, here's a tip.  You may find a valve with clearance that is close to where you want it, but a little big.  This can be due to the cam wearing down the shim.  In that case just flip the shim over so the flat, unworn side is facing up, and measure again.

Quote from: cyrusyn on April 04, 2009, 09:57:21 PM
I'm going to be doing valve adjustment this week. This is going to be my very first valve adjustment.
According to FSM, there is a special suzuki service tool that I need to push the cam follower. Is there any other tools that I could use to press down the follower?

And any other tips or cautions from people with experience in this would be appreciated a lot.

I find the valve tool works really well. The genuine Suzuki tool is expensive; instead, I would suggest purchasing the Motion Pro equivalent.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=42206.0
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=41055.0

Others have used flat head screwdrivers successfully (search for posts from gsJack).

As bill14224 mentioned, take a look at the video posted by Kerry - it has all the tips you could need! The video can be downloaded from the wiki. The wiki also has other helpful information on the topic: http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Maintenance.CheckValves

Personally, I wouldn't bother flipping over shims. If you do so, the printed thickness will wear off of the shim. In my opinion, it is preferable to replace the shim (especially given that they are inexpensive. In fact, you can often get them for free by trading with your dealer!)

Let us know how it goes!

Quote from: cyrusyn on April 04, 2009, 09:57:21 PM
I'm going to be doing valve adjustment this week. This is going to be my very first valve adjustment.
According to FSM, there is a special suzuki service tool that I need to push the cam follower. Is there any other tools that I could use to press down the follower?

And any other tips or cautions from people with experience in this would be appreciated a lot.

please see the EAST and WEST COAST shim kit threads up at the top of the GENERAL section on gstwins.

put your name on the list, and eventually it will be shipped to you, including:

valve spring tool
shims
dvd video showing how to do everything
a sack of cash (which you'll want to donate to)
rags
assorted trinkets from the last few people that used it

please pay for the forward shipping to the next member, and make sure everything makes it back into the kit. 

rock on gs'ers