Valve Shim Kit and Tool?

Hi Folks, I need to change out the Valve cover gaskets on my 2005 RSMV. I might as well perform the valve adjustment while I'm in there. Does anyone have a Shim kit and tool they would like to sell or let me barrow? I live in Southern Ohio

Hi Folks, I need to change out the Valve cover gaskets on my 2005 RSMV. I might as well perform the valve adjustment while I'm in there. Does anyone have a Shim kit and tool they would like to sell or let me barrow? I live in Southern Ohio

If you don't manage to find a loner shim tool there are a couple on eBay are not too expensive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Valve-Shim-Tool-XVZ12-XVZ13-Venture-Vmax-V-Max-VMX12-VMX13-04105-/401240087862?hash=item5d6bc5dd36:g:e2gAAOSwKPNTx2y2&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-VMAX-XVZ12-XVZ13-VENTURE-V-MAX-VALVE-SHIM-TOOL-04105-/192042659944?hash=item2cb6a27068:m:mCXpbmtQrhNEaPcSUWIhcKg&vxp=mtr

I have the tool but no shim kit. Would be glad to let you borrow it if you don't find a complete kit. Just PM me our address if you need it.

Earl, member Skydoc_17, who is in south central/southeast PA should be able to supply you with needed shims but I don't think he has a kit anymore as too many people used the shims and did not replace them afterwards...

The thing about shim kits is they likely will not have the shims needed. I borrowed a tool and about 20 shims from a friend but was only able to use 4 and had to buy another 9. The cost of shipping, across the border mind you, was close to the cost of the tool. In my case, I got one for $40 off eBay when I wanted to do the job again.

Check with your local Yamaha stealership. Mine does free shim swaps for both my XJ and XVZ bikes.

Thanks' folks for advice. Since its winter, I'll probably just do the math and either order shims or get from the dealership. Freebird, if you don't mind I'll barrow the tool. I'll send you a PM today.

Sam

Same shims are used in several other bikes. Honda, Triumph, Yamaha FJ1200. I dont remember but if you put it in a search on E-bay, usually it comes up with which bikes it fits. I think I gave $6 or something for last ones I had to buy. I got a bag full of them in tool box. Unfortunately a bunch are the 300 range or something unless its a new head, I'll never use. Lucky for me the Victory is Hyd lifter.

I was able when I did my RSV to check them all, the ones that were out of spec I pulled the shims out to see what was in to figure what I needed. I was able to swap a couple around and only had to actually purchase 2 shims I think.

Thanks djh3! Since its winter here, I'll have time to check and order whast I'll need. My bike needs a good look over anyway.

How do you like the Victory in comparison to the RSV? I've been looking at those as a replacement for RSV.

I like it. I did several of the dealer demo days before making the move. Mine is a 2013 Cross country tour. It does have some excessive heat around the rear exhaust pipe to me. But I can live with it. For me it was a matter of the top heaviness. The XCT is like a sport bike in the corners, now its not quite as plush a ride on long distance as the RSV was. Storage about the same, I would say the trunk is a bit more usable on the RSV as the angles on the Victory make things tricky @ times.

So here is a link to some shims off e-bay. 25mm is the size. In the listing it tells what else it fit. I found some cheaper by fishing around for the Honda I think.

@skydoc_17 used to have a shim kit and tool that he would loan out if you bought all the gaskets and other stuff for the job from him. You will have to contact him to see if he still does this.

If you need an uncommon thickness, I can make the next bigger size a bit thinner. I acquired a surface grinder for my basement. I made a few custom sizes for mine to get it all just perfect. All of my valves are right on the high limit to give maximum time before they need to be done again. But that is just me.

I don't have a kit but I did put the tool in the mail yesterday.

Thanks for the plug guys! I DO still loan out my shop shim kit and tool for the VR.ORG members. I do require that you purchase your set of valve cover gaskets from me at the time of the shim kit loan. My kit currently has about 90 shims in it but because of the combinations needed to adjust the valves, I can't guarantee that I will have every shim you will need. I only loan this kit to members in the 48 states. It would be my pleasure to help any VR.ORG member with this project.

Earl

Hey Jeff. After the holidays and the post office get back to their semi-normal operation I could send you some of these big thick shims and you could trim them down for guys. I'll have to see what I got but I think I got a mess of around 300

As long as the are not to thick, Don't want to grind thru the case hardening.

Thanks for the plug guys! I DO still loan out my shop shim kit and tool for the VR.ORG members. I do require that you purchase your set of valve cover gaskets from me at the time of the shim kit loan. My kit currently has about 90 shims in it but because of the combinations needed to adjust the valves, I can't guarantee that I will have every shim you will need. I only loan this kit to members in the 48 states. It would be my pleasure to help any VR.ORG member with this project.

Earl

Skydoc,how much for the gaskets and how soon can you get me the gaskets and shim kit?

Sam

PM or call him for a faster answer. He may never see your post...

Hey Sam,

The shim kit is in my possession, and I have the gaskets in stock for your bike. It looks like you live in Ohio, so once a Paypal payment is received, You would most likely get the parts by the weekend. I can ship as early as tomorrow. PM me.

Earl

Sent you a PM Skydoc!

Sam

I just wanted to take a moment to say what a wonderful site this is, and give a big shout out to Freebird and Skydoc for helping me with the valve adjustment on my RSMV. Thanks' a bunch guys!!!

Well, I'm deep into the job of adjusting the valves on my RSV and I have to say, could Yamaha have made this job any more difficult!!?? Now I understand why the dealership want $500 to do it. Thankfully the valves don't have to be adjusted very often, but still the engineers for this bike could have done a much better job on routing the wiring, cooling tube, vent and vacuum tubes, and the air box.

I have a 1984 Honda Sabre and I can do a valve adjustment on that V4 engine in two hours taking my time. I'm about 3 hours just getting the valve covers off.

Sorry, I just needed to vent to those who may understand. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I do Love my RSV and especially love riding it. I guess if this is the worst thing I have to do, its not that bad of a bike.

Yes they are a PITA to get to. It is even more fun getting the valve covers back on without damaging your NEW gaskets.

Yes they are a PITA to get to. It is even more fun getting the valve covers back on without damaging your NEW gaskets.

Easy - Peasy...

OK folks, where's a cheap place to get valve shims? I need .260, .265, .270, .275. I looked on bikebandit and they were $16.95 each!!!

I ordered mine off ebay. Just search for 25mm valve shims. I paid about $20.00 for 4 shims. There are all different sizes on there and fast shipping.

Ron