Happy New Year! I’m not sure who that goes out to, but anyone reading this is welcome to it.

I spent some time last night checking the valve clearances on the KLR. She’s done 68,000 km so long overdue for a check. Finding the time when it’s daily transport isn’t easy, especially for jobs that can "wait another day".

I’m glad I did! Looks like I just caught it in time. Exhaust valves are really tight and out of tolerance, so I’ll need to replace the shims. That’s a cams out job, with re-timing afterwards. It’s pretty straightforward really.

Considering the hard slog the bike’s been through, its holding up really well. A testament to Robust design and good manufacture, though I expect routine maintenance is also a factor.

An unexpected bonus is that simply being inside an engine is helping me make design decisions for mine. Duplex chains running in an oil bath last very well, and a self adjusting chain tensioner makes maintenance easy. I’m almost certainly going for a gear driven sleeve drive, but it’s always good to be reminded of other options.

But back to the job in hand, time to pop those cams out and order some shims!!