It's been too long since I worked on my Oilhead

[Steve in Golden]

At least when you do the valves on the bench, you KNOW they are cool enough to do the job right!!
And concerning the nice picture of the 4-valve head...maybe you DON'T adjust them...just toss the whole thing and buy another.
Or the electronics get your goat (and pocketbook) long before the valves even need adjusting.

Considering the ridiculous price these bikes command, I don't think anyone will be "tossing the whole thing and buy another" when it's time to adjust the valves.

I love it so far. I loved my airheads too but once you've ridden a bike with modern engine, brakes, and suspension, it's hard to go back to 70's technology.

[Scot]

Yep, it's those electronics that would worry me...

I've heard more than one K-bike owner say that BMW designed the (expensive) electronic components specifically to protect the fuses.

[Jean]

Yaaaaa, Scot!
I love my old 70's engine and ignition system that can be fixed on the *roadside by myself...no computer necessary.
(* after one of those unfortunate, unplanned, off-road excursions into deep sand or high water.)
And the gravity-driven fuel system is top-notch.

[Steve in Golden]

Yaaaaa, Scot!
I love my old 70's engine and ignition system that can be fixed on the *roadside by myself...no computer necessary.
(* after one of those unfortunate, unplanned, off-road excursions into deep sand or high water.)
And the gravity-driven fuel system is top-notch.

Good points Jean. But if one is on a modern bike there will be no need to fix it on the roadside, as it won't break down from a little bit o sand or high water or anything else. The new machines are infallible.

At least mine is, it is "the Motorcycle of the Apocalypse".

[Major Softie]

The new machines are infallible.

At least mine is, it is "the Motorcycle of the Apocalypse".

I hope that means it is "ready for it," as opposed to "bringing it."

[Steve in Golden]

12/21/12 is coming you know. I will be ready for it.

[Major Softie]

12/21/12 is coming you know. I will be ready for it.

Oh THAT'S why they made it a 1200.

[Zombie Master]

My new R1200GS is a DOHC. OMG what have I done? How am I going to adjust the valves? So much for simple valve adjustments! From what I understand though the new camheads don't need to have the valves adjusted near as often.

When the overhead cam Oilhead came out, I found a video on how to adjust it. I remember it was produced by a shop in California but I can't find it now. The shims were half balls and the procedure looked very straight ahead. Good thing is that the adjustment should last much longer. Bad thing is you will need half balls.

[Major Softie]

When the overhead cam Oilhead came out, I found a video on how to adjust it. I remember it was produced by a shop in California but I can't find it now. The shims were half balls and the procedure looked very straight ahead. Good thing is that the adjustment should last much longer. Bad thing is you will need half balls.

I don't know where you get half balls. I only know where to get all balls.
https://www.allballsracing.com/

[bbelk]

, it is "the Motorcycle of the Apocalypse".

nope - the EMP blast will take out all the computers and old VWs and Airheads will be the only things left on the road.