Hitchcocks Forum

Not that I ever have mind you, but....

Going to check clearances on my new to me F650GS.

Note I haven’t taken the valve cover off yet...... but to get to this point...

Remove windscreen, six screws.
Remove four screws for left-hand indicator then disconnect it.
Remove four screws for right-hand indicator then disconnect it.
Unscrew left-hand fairing and remove.
Unscrew right-hand fairing and remove.
Unscrew centre fairing panel and remove.
Remove battery.
Unbolt oil tank and move out of the way.
Remove breather snorkel and then air filter.
Unbolt airbox and move out of the way.
Dislodge starter solenoid.
Disconnect throttle cable.
Unbolt and remove battery carriage.
Remove solenoid tray.
And then....... The valve cover is visible.
There might be more, but I needed a rest

Newer bikes eh...

You should try it on a VFR 750. Two cylinder heads each with 8 valves. The best thing being, when you finally get to it, they didn't need adjusting anyway.

EDIT: May as well change the plug while you're in there.

Oh don’t worry, I’ll probably fit Iridiums due to the amount of removing; it’s a twin spark.
I’ve heard about VFR headers removal!

Just looked at the picture again and realised I’m the Bullet Whisperer... I spotted Katy’s tail!

How often/miles does this need doing?
F650GS vs Bullet?

You’re right. Once checked and set, I can probably stay out of there for years. One advantage of shims.