Correct valve settings for R65

schrader7032 · Post by **schrader7032** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:28 pm

From what I can tell, my Haynes lists 0.10mm/0.20mm intake/exhaust. But I've heard it might be better to use 0.15mm/0.20mm intake/exhaust. The exhaust clearance is more important that the intake as that's where the heat is the highest. The intake valves are "cooled" somewhat by the inrushing charge of gas. I use 0.15/0.20 on my /2 and /7.

Kurt in S.A.

khill · Post by **khill** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:01 am

sounds like my friend has it pretty close but I would feel better if they
were set at .005 and .007. Maybe it won't make that much difference.

Now I have found that the right muffler has a bad rust spot on the
underside. I was hoping to try out the JCW replacements but when
I checked their web site they will fit all but the R45 and R65. They
look pretty close to the real thing.

Thanks

Kirk

schrader7032 · Post by **schrader7032** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:33 am

I'd go for the 0.005 intake, but IMO, I'd stick closer to the 0.008 on exhaust. I found a service bulletin that came out in March 1982 (2051 11 022 82) for all R65 and R65LS models. It says 0.006 and 0.010 for the first 600 miles and then 0.004 and 0.008 after that. Personally, I like the larger setting on intake...

Kurt in S.A.

PGK · Post by **PGK** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 8:05 pm

As long as they're in range it's ok. of all the things to worry about, a .001" difference in valve clearance inside the recommended range is not a big deal. I set mine on the looser side—.006" and .008" for the intake and exhaust. There are many opinions out there on where to set your valves and why, on how quickly they will wear and in what direction and why, etc. setting them loose will make more noise, and will keep you from burning exhaust valves. As for the clearances being tight when you checked, that's not unusual, since most wear occurs at the valve seat, which will bring the clearance tighter.

Now, when you did the valve adjustment, did you torque the heads and set rocker arm end-play?

VBMWMO · Post by **VBMWMO** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:51 pm

A friend of mine helped me set my R65 valves and he recommended setting the intakes at .006 and the exhaust at .008". If I remember
correctly my manual says they should be .004 and .006 respectfully
but it seems to run better than it did before. They were tighter than
.004 and .006 so I am curious if the valves are now to loose? They seem
to clatter quite a lot but this person has owned a lot of older airheads
but not a R65. Is the looser than recommended settings going to cause
a problem?

Thanks

Kirk