Couple of service questions.

[Dick Wells]

Just got back from a 5 day ride up to the Texas Hill Country and back, from Brownsville, and have passed the 6,000 mile-milestone. So. I'm about due to leave the Brownsville area, for a long-winded trip home, to Vermont, with our Sierra DuraMax and Mountaineer TT, with the Spyder in the bed of the pickup. One seriousely potential source of more mileage would be the rally in MO.

So, questions. Generally speaking, does the Rotax' valve gear loosen, or tighten, with mileage? I'm hoping it loosens, since I would really like to do a little touring on the way through the South, on the way home. How much risk am I taking by adding another 500 - 1000 miles over the next month, before I can get home and adjust the valve lash?

The top end seems a little more noisy, mechanical sound wise, than when I left Brownsville, 1200+ miles, and 6 days ago. Nothing serious, just what I would consider typical bike engine sounds, having owned and ridden a whole slew of bikes, over the years. I'm hoping, again, that this is an indication that the valve assembly is loosening up, with mileage.

Not really interested in getting it into a CanAm dealer's for that service, since I don't want to pay the outlandish cost that I suspect I'd be charged, and further, I don't trust anyone but yours-truly with that kind of work. So, I'm hoping that those who have put some "real" miles on a Spyder will chime in here, and ease my mind about adding some more mileage before I tear into the top end of this engine.

Thanks: Dick Wells

 

[docdoru]

Just got back from a 5 day ride up to the Texas Hill Country and back, from Brownsville, and have passed the 6,000 mile-milestone. So. I'm about due to leave the Brownsville area, for a long-winded trip home, to Vermont, with our Sierra DuraMax and Mountaineer TT, with the Spyder in the bed of the pickup. One seriousely potential source of more mileage would be the rally in MO.

So, questions. Generally speaking, does the Rotax' valve gear loosen, or tighten, with mileage? I'm hoping it loosens, since I would really like to do a little touring on the way through the South, on the way home. How much risk am I taking by adding another 500 - 1000 miles over the next month, before I can get home and adjust the valve lash?

The top end seems a little more noisy, mechanical sound wise, than when I left Brownsville, 1200+ miles, and 6 days ago. Nothing serious, just what I would consider typical bike engine sounds, having owned and ridden a whole slew of bikes, over the years. I'm hoping, again, that this is an indication that the valve assembly is loosening up, with mileage.

Not really interested in getting it into a CanAm dealer's for that service, since I don't want to pay the outlandish cost that I suspect I'd be charged, and further, I don't trust anyone but yours-truly with that kind of work. So, I'm hoping that those who have put some "real" miles on a Spyder will chime in here, and ease my mind about adding some more mileage before I tear into the top end of this engine.

Thanks: Dick Wells

The valves are tightening with mileage, first the exhaust ones.

 

[NancysToy]

Like Doc said, they tighten. This should be due to valve recession. as wear would increase the lash. I would not worry about pushing the 6K check. Most folks valves have remained in spec for 30k or better. The 6,000 mile check is precautionary overkill, IMO.

 

[WackyDan]

I thought BRP backed off the 6k valve check and only mandated the first one at 12k? I'm having mine done for the first time at 13k, and from what others have found, they will need no adjustment.

Anyway... That rotax does sound a bit "trashy" mid rpm or if you rev it. I never noticed it much with my stock short shield, but with my tall touring shield I think it bounces the mechanical noise back at me more. Nothing to worry about.

So... Ride it and enjoy it. Please!

 

[NancysToy]

I thought BRP backed off the 6k valve check and only mandated the first one at 12k? I'm having mine done for the first time at 13k, and from what others have found, they will need no adjustment.

BRP's original maintenance schedule called for valve checks every 6,000 miles. They backed that off to 12,000 in a Service Bulletin. The first valve check is still specified at 6K, however, as a comment in the maintenance schedule. The 2011 Operators Guide has this same requirement. Overkill?...In my opinion it sure is, but owners will want to get their dealers' recommendations, since the dealers are the warranty agents.

 

[Firefly]

I had mine done at 6,000 - wish I had waited till 12,000. No adjustment was needed. Now at 31,000 with no problems. Will probably have them checked when I get back from Cuba. Would have them checked in Cuba-- but that's a bit much work to get done while they're gonna be swamped that week....

 

[Dick Wells]

Thanks, guys. That eases my mind. I expected they'd tighten, being OHV, with shims, like my KLR, but your input gives me the "guts" to press on, till I get home to Vermont.

See you in Cuba, God willing, and the creek don't rise.

Dick Wells

 

[Dudley]

Thanks, guys. That eases my mind. I expected they'd tighten, being OHV, with shims, like my KLR, but your input gives me the "guts" to press on, till I get home to Vermont.

See you in Cuba, God willing, and the creek don't rise.

Dick Wells

Dave, I don't recommend this, but with the 2008 SE5 we had before our RT, we put 43,000 miles without ever checking the valves. The Tech at the dealer said that when he checked valves before reselling the SE5, the valves were not in need of adjustment.