Valve adjust- easy? Tips?

[mainerider]

Hi,
It's almost time for the first valve check on my '02; since this is my first Magna I'm wondering if it's an easy DIY job or is it a dealer-only service? If it's a DIY job I'm hoping it's easier than the valve adjusts on my '05 Connie; it takes the better part of a day, with all of the tupperware that needs to come off first...  Thanks.
Joe

[roboto65]

How many miles on the bike unless they are making noise they probably don,t need it My Yellow bike has almost 50,000 mile on her and I have not adjusted them. The shim under bucket design just rarely go out of adjustment and if they do they get tighter. The Mechanic will get you for about 350 to 400 dollars to just open it up and tell you they were all good !!!!

[John Luttrell]

Yep, I have never heard of anyone finding a valve out of adjustment on one of these bikes; save your time and money for something useful.

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

I agree, I have 53K miles without the valve job and I feel confident taking on anyone except for Jimmy slanted heel Glover!!!!

[Greg Cothern]

I have only known of 2 that needed adjustment, and truth be told I would bet that they were slightly off from the factory.
If you fuel economy (averaged over several tanks) has not dropped noticeably or performance then you are good!
This setup just doesnt change, save your money and use it for a needed accessory or such.

[Gloveberg]

I agree, I have 53K miles without the valve job and I feel confident taking on anyone except for Jimmy slanted heel Glover!!!!

Muhahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!              

[mainerider]

Thanks for all of the great advice; with only 12K on the bike it sounds as if I'm all set for a goodlong while. The  seemingly constant valve adjustments on my Connie get really tedious.
BTW, I like the Magna so much now that I am going to sell my Concours. It's a nice bike but I just can't resist taking the Magna everytime now  

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

...can't resist taking the Magna everytime now.
It will do that to you.