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Valve Train Service

Our Valve Train Service is a comprehensive inspection, correction, and performance optimization procedure for high-performance and street motorcycles. This service ensures correct valve timing events, optimal sealing, mechanical reliability, and, when requested, measurable power gains through precision cylinder head modification.

This service is suitable for sportbikes, race bikes, and performance builds, particularly high-revving inline-4 and twin-cylinder engines where valve train accuracy directly impacts reliability and output.

1. Valve Clearance Inspection (Valve Lash Check)

Objective

Verify that valve-to-cam clearance (lash) is within manufacturer specifications under cold-engine conditions.

Procedure

  • Remove bodywork, fuel tank, airbox, and ignition components as required

  • Remove valve cover and inspect cam lobes, journals, and buckets

  • Rotate engine to Top Dead Center (TDC) per cylinder

  • Measure intake and exhaust clearances using precision feeler gauges

  • Record all values and compare to OEM specifications

Technical Importance

  • Tight valves → loss of compression, hard hot starts, burnt valves

  • Excessive clearance → valve train noise, accelerated wear

  • Critical on high-RPM engines (e.g., track or race applications)

 

Deliverable: Full clearance measurement chart for customer documentation.

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2. Valve Adjustment (Shim / Screw-Type Correction)

 

Objective

Restore all intake and exhaust valve clearances to ideal specification or performance target range.

Shim-Under-Bucket Systems (common on sportbikes)

  • Remove camshafts following proper timing procedures

  • Measure and calculate required shim thickness

  • Install new precision shims

  • Reinstall cams and verify cam timing alignment

  • Torque cam caps to manufacturer specifications

  • Re-measure all clearances after reassembly

Screw-and-Locknut Systems (common on air-cooled / older bikes)

  • Adjust clearance via tappet screw

  • Lock and verify clearance

  • Confirm uniformity across cylinders

Optional Performance Adjustment

For race applications, clearances may be set strategically within tolerance range to optimize:

  • Valve stability at high RPM

  • Thermal expansion margin

  • Aggressive cam profile compatibility

3. Cylinder Head Performance Modifications

This portion applies to customers requesting increased horsepower and improved volumetric efficiency.

A. Porting & Polishing

  • CNC or hand port reshaping for improved airflow velocity

  • Intake port smoothing (maintaining proper surface texture for fuel atomization)

  • Exhaust port polishing for reduced flow restriction

  • Bowl blending under valve seats

Goal: Increase airflow CFM while preserving port velocity and throttle response.

 

B. Multi-Angle Valve Job

  • 3-angle or 5-angle valve seat cutting

  • Precision concentricity verification

  • Improved valve sealing and flow transition

Benefits:

  • Increased airflow at low and mid valve lift

  • Better combustion efficiency

C. Valve Upgrades (Optional)

  • Titanium intake valves

  • Stainless steel exhaust valves

  • High-performance valve springs

  • Retainer upgrades (titanium options)

Used for:

  • High-lift camshafts

  • Increased RPM limits

  • Forced induction builds

 

D. Camshaft Installation & Degreeing (Optional)

  • Install performance camshafts

  • Degree cam timing using degree wheel and dial indicator

  • Adjust cam timing for optimal intake centerline and exhaust lobe separation

Critical for:

  • Maximizing dyno-verified gains

  • Matching cam timing to compression ratio and exhaust system

 

Expected Benefits

Reliability Service Only:

  • Smooth idle

  • Stable hot starts

  • Improved compression

  • Extended valve life

Performance Package:

  • Increased horsepower and torque

  • Stronger midrange

  • Higher RPM stability

  • Improved throttle response

  • Dyno-tuning ready configuration

Recommended Service Intervals

  • Street motorcycles: Every 12,000–16,000 miles (check manufacturer spec)

  • Track/race bikes: Every 1–2 race weekends or 1,000–1,500 miles

  • High-compression or modified engines: More frequent inspection required

Why This Service Matters

Improper valve clearance is one of the most common causes of:

  • Burnt exhaust valves

  • Compression loss

  • Hard hot starts

  • Idle instability

  • Premature camshaft wear

 

For performance engines (especially high-revving platforms like inline-4 supersports), precise valve train setup is not optional — it is foundational.

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