So I do my first valve adjustment on a Cali EV. Pull the plugs, put it in 4th, spin the rear wheel, use a straw to find tdc on compression stroke. Valves are all over the place. Loose, way loose, tight, and just right. Two different cover gaskets, one is burnt on and has to be razored off. I bolt it all back and install new plugs. Hit the starter and rattle, bang, clatter. WTF? Hit the starter again and same rattle. Did I screw up the easiest valve adjustment in the world? Set adjustment on the wrong stroke? Did I bend a valve? Am I an idiot? Yes I am. As I begin removing valve cover bolts to see what I had done wrong, it hits me. The bike is still in gear. Find neutral, start it up, go for a ride. I' m happy.
