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Anyone have a recommendation for valve shims? I'm considering an attempt at checking/adjusting my valves, so I figured I should have a set of shims handy in case an adjustment is needed.

Scott_B wrote:Anyone have a recommendation for valve shims? I'm considering an attempt at checking/adjusting my valves, so I figured I should have a set of shims handy in case an adjustment is needed.

eyeball it






That has always worked for me.

I had an 01 E model that i liked to redline. I checked it once and they were in spec. I would just check them as its pretty easy, then you'll know what u need to buy if u have to adjust

Hot Cams, makes shims that are much cheaper than buying factory pieces. You can buy them by the each, or get the "kit" and have everything you need. This is just the first link I came across to show the kit. You might be able to get one cheaper somewhere.................... ThumperTalk is your friend.

http://www.oemcycle.com/Products/Engine ... _Shim_Kits

Almost every motorcycle shop will have shims in stock. Most shops will trade you shims for half the new price. Take your measurements, remove your existing shims, and exchange them at a shop. No need to shell out $$ for a shim kit when you will only use a couple shims.
I shimmed my DRZ400 and went to a Yamaha shop and exchanged shims. Many brands of bikes use the same shim diameter.

MacWildcat wrote:Almost every motorcycle shop will have shims in stock. Most shops will trade you shims for half the new price. Take your measurements, remove your existing shims, and exchange them at a shop. No need to shell out $$ for a shim kit when you will only use a couple shims.
I shimmed my DRZ400 and went to a Yamaha shop and exchanged shims. Many brands of bikes use the same shim diameter.

That's good advice. I actually got my last shims from an independent bike shop, who had the hot cams kit, for a couple bucks a piece, but he went out of business this spring................. but if you get the kit, they double as Poker Chips!

Check the threads and how to on thumper talk. Seems to be the best source of DRZ info.
Ryan

I checked my DRZ at about 12000 miles and they were all in spec. I would check it before worrying about ordering them and just plan on trading them out at a bike shop. A few of the ones in Leavenworth only wanted $1 per shim. Just my .02. It is VERY easy and there are a number of great online walk throughs to assist in the project.

Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen! Haven't started anything yet, but you guys have provided much needed insight and references into the task.