Motorcycle Repair: 1995 Honda Magna V45, honda magna, valve clearances

Question
Hello Chris,   I have a 1995 Honda Magna VF 750C.  The owners manual states that I need to take the bike in every 16,000 miles for a valve adjustment.  This is a very costly repair and from what I am told very labor intensive because they have to remove the top half of the engine to do the job.  I am just wondering if this is a necessary maintenance or something that the dealer wants you to do to generate return business.  The repair was quoted at $600.  plus parts.  If you have any other helpful knowledge about my particular machine, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance.  Shawn

Answer
Hi Shawn.
 The valve clearances are critical to proper engine operation, so they do need to be checked as per the manual.  However, $600 seems a bit steep for that work.

 The only thing that must be removed is the radiator.  A really good mechanic should be able to get the valve covers off without removing the engine.  As far as parts, since the Magna does NOT require shims, I don't know what parts are being included in the valve adjustment.  You may want to ask what this is including for your 600 bucks and maybe even find a shop that will do a good job at a lower price.  If this is a dealership, then remember that just because the dealerships are for that make, does not make them the only ones that are certified to work on them, nor are they ALWAYS the best choice.

Good luck.
FALCON