"new" 2007 Norge valve clearance: glad I checked

[blackbuell]

The 2007 Norge I bought a month ago now has a mere 3,000 miles on the ODO; 700 of those miles are mine. I've done quite a bit to it: new battery, new tires, changed all fluids, added a Kaoko throttle control, a ram mount for GPS, and a startus interruptus kit (thanks Paul), straightened a few supports for body work, touched up paint on body work, and done lots of polishing. Due to the low mileage, I figured the valves should be OK; thought I'd wait until my first summer cross-country trip before checking them. Why would valve clearances change if a bike was just sitting for 10 years?

I was bored yesterday (still adjusting to this retirement thing) so I decided to check the valves. Big surprise: all were tight. In fact, the left intake had essentially zero clearance. The bike did seem to be running fine; was certainly running as strong or even stronger than my 2009 Norge was before its demise at 54,000 miles. We are experiencing a cold spell now in KY; hope it warms up soon to see if the valve adjustment has made any difference in performance.

Jon

[Don G]

You should go through that Norge from stem to stern, likely find a bunch of things needing attention.  DonG

[Chuck in Indiana]

I checked my new Norge at the 600 mile service, and they were .013"  Luigi apparently doesn't have any feeler gauges..

[blackbuell]

I checked my new Norge at the 600 mile service, and they were .013"  Luigi apparently doesn't have any feeler gauges..

Must have been a noisy motor!

Jon

[blackbuell]

You should go through that Norge from stem to stern, likely find a bunch of things needing attention.  DonG

Doing that gradually: next will be fuel filter and alternator belt. Just loctited side and center stands (had those come loose on my 2009). Later will lube swingarm and shock pivots.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Doing that gradually: next will be fuel filter and alternator belt. Just loctited side and center stands (had those come loose on my 2009). Later will lube swingarm and shock pivots.

Please post the part Nos, I assume they will be applicable to my O7 Griso
Do you have a shop stand that will support the rear end when you remove the swing arm?
I posted my home built $10 special on Griso Gheto I'm pretty sure it will work for a Norge also.

[Sheepdog]

My US-spec �07 Vintage came with pretty tight clearances on the valves when new (.002” & .004”) This was supposedly a measure to reduce valve noise. It is quieter, but it seems to run a little better with the older and looser clearance of .004” & .006”.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Must have been a noisy motor!

Jon

I wear earplugs. <shrug> I just figured that since nobody in the US actually sets up or services new bikes  they'd leave them plenty loose so it wouldn't burn valves.