Hey guys,

New to the forum (as a member), and looking for some advice while in the middle of my project doing a valve adjustment:

After searching the forum and wanted ads, it looks like the only aftermarket option to purchase is this K&L brand for replacement shims--which according to a few posts I've found isn't exactly known for reliability. Is the risk of getting a bad batch worth having my valves perfect? I'm only stepping down one size (0.05mm I believe) on all 4 valves, and so considering just skipping that and waiting for my next tear-down (winter  ). I have called shops everywhere and it seems like I may get lucky if I keep searching for heavily used OEM parts (there is also ebay), but not sure if I should trust worn shims necessarily either.

Thanks!

Old shims are better than new crap. Suzuki made awesome shims in the early 80's and put em in their GS 4 cyl bikes.
Cool.
Buddha.

Thanks! My instinct was, "If it's lasted in a running bike for 10-20 years, it's probably good!" but figured I'd let some more experienced owners weigh in before I do something I regret. Off to the WTB threads I go...

My 97 GS went 80k miles and my 02 GS went 100k miles with no intake valve shim changes.  Exhaust valves required many shim changes until I went to wider than Suzuki specs and they held almost as good as the intakes.  Measured every shim I took out and never found a worn one.  I've only used oem shims  purchased from dealer over 12 years ago.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GSvalvelogs_zps55f27f5e.jpg

Thanks, Jack! Your logs have helped me out on more than one occasion since starting my rebuild--I'll definitely be more confident about replacing them with the OEMs. Those K&Ls scare the hell out of me... would hate to hear a pop followed by a bunch of crunching in my top end after all this work.

May I ask what the deal with shims and OEM parts is?
I always get them from my local Suzuki dealer, they have new ones in stock, often also used ones (-50% the price, and they are never worn always to spec) and if they dont they simply order them for me.

So far they have been out of stock in the few shops in my area... back order til July. Seems to be a common supplier among them is out from what little they have told me. Looks like I can manage to scrounge up enough used ones though...