Valve shims

I've got an 84 Voyager that I think will need the valves shimmed. Are the shims readily available? If so from who?

Thanks,

oldkawasakidude

Hello O.K.

There are four basic ways to obtain shims.

1: If you're doing the work, exchange them at a dealership or independent shop. My local Triumph dealership does this for me at little to no cost. (Depends on the shop)

2: eBay, can be expensive and the least trusted way. I prefer to see the shims I am buying and to see what condition they are in. Also if you are doing this yourself, you should have a micrometer to verify the size. Not all printed sizes are readable on the recycled shim.

3: Procure a complete cylinder head for parts. Assuming there is enough shim-stock to get what you need.

4: Have a local shop do the work for you. At times, I have trailered my bike down there with the valve cover removed and swapped them out right there on the trailer. If you don't have the parts on hand, this can save time. Some shops frown on this, others don't mind.

Don't forget valves need to be adjusted with the engine completely cold.

Regards.

T.

Hi

if your a fully paid up member of the Z1000 owners club they have a shim swap service.
send in your old ones and request the replacement sizes
a bit long winded but all done in the post. not sure about overseas post, works fine in the UK

Ian

One word of caution when measuring shims is as Todd has said use a micrometer and NOT a vernier because if the shim is worn in the centre as is often the case the vernier will measure the outer rim and not the centre where a micrometer will measure the centre and the outer rim that way you pick up on worn shims.
You should not use shims that are worn in the centre because if they are put in with the hollow side down there is a chance of them cracking and that is disastrous.

If you end up doing this yourself make sure you place a few drops of oil on the tappet. After installing the replacement shim, make sure it freely rotates in the tappet.

T.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationO.K.

If you don't have the tools, you'll need a shim removal took kit. There are multiple places to buy these besides eBay but for example see below.

T.