Paul Martin

Drew, when you get it on the road again, would you mind doing a recording/video of the bike at idle and also with rpm's raised a bit? When I bought mine in October it sounded a bit puffy/out of sync. Since the valve covers were weeping, I figured it was a good time to check and adjust valves and put on new gaskets. I've adjusted valve clearances (6 intake buckets were just a bit on the tight side at .08 and .09mm - just under the .11mm minimum spec) and am still in the process of cleaning up gasket mating surfaces and gunk prior to reinstalling covers, carbs, etc. Once I get it all assembled I'll sync the carbs. Would be nice to have a right-running engine/exhaust sound to compare to. Thanks!

That's a really clean looking install Drew. Would you mind posting links to the mounts you ended up using? Thanks, PM

Well Earl, I figured out I only need 3 shims (all 260's) and found an ebay seller selling them for $8 each and offering a $3 trade-in so, I no longer will need to rent your shim kit - thank you! Attaching a worksheet I came up with to help with valve shim replacements. Paul Martin 601-966-8771 Valve Lash Check and Adjust - SHIM Worksheet.xlsx

Thanks! Yes it do! But under that purdy tank I have found a grimy mess. Working on the valve adjustment. Pic shows the grimy carb framework. Ignore the hose clamp - was using that over the frame to exert some up force on the carbs to unseat them from the intake boots. Worked great!

Hello SkyDoc_17. Hope you are doing well. How long is the wait for your shim kit? I have everything opened up and have checked valve gaps - exhaust are all within spec - one or two at max, and 5 intake are a tad tighter than spec (around .09mm). I already have the cover gasket and grommets. Ready to PayPal when you are sir! Thanks, PM 601-966-8771

I'm now the proud owner of a 2001 RSV (bought about a month ago). I see in the owner's manual it says to shut off the petcock between rides. And that surprises me. First reason for the surprise is this bike has a fuel pump. So, if you forget to shut off the petcock, can the fuel actually leak past the fuel pump, up to the carbs, and then leak down into the cylinders and beyond? Second reason for the surprise is, my 1982 Yamaha XV920 is equipped with vacuum shut-off petcocks. Why would Yamaha not equip the RSV with same? And along with this question, has anyone here tried swapping out their RSV petcock for a vacuum shut-off petcock? Thanks for feedback! PM

Bought this 2001 RSV w/ 71K on the clock about a month ago. Quite a bit of difference from my '82 XV920, which I used to think of as a 'big' bike lol. Will need: -- new valve cover gaskets (already purchased) -- valve lash adjustment (never done from what I can see in the maintenance records) -- carb synch -- rear shock replace (soon!)

Great post - thanks for sharing! And of course, now I'm checking out the membership benefits...

Ray, is this the bike you are describing, and did you buy it? I was #2 in line to buy it but found a 2001 Venture and decided to buy it instead.

Thank you Freebird!