Where do you buy your Valve Shims?

The Seldom One · August 28th, 2016, 09:39 PM

Hey I have ANOTHER question.

I figured I would be able to easily find a valve shim kit for my bike. Apparently that isn't how it works.

General google searches bring up shim kits, but they aren't specified to fit my bike. I also can't find out info on the shims so that I might be able to order some based on just the size.

So, does anyone know where I can order a kit from? or individual shims that are in .025 increments instead of the poem .05

I would rather buy a kit, seeing as they run the same price as 8 new shims.

Thanks.

empire00 · August 28th, 2016, 09:52 PM

I bought a kit from amazon.

https://amzn.com/B000UKM6LG

The Seldom One · August 28th, 2016, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by empire00

I bought a kit from amazon.

https://amzn.com/B000UKM6LG

How did you know they fit?

empire00 · August 28th, 2016, 10:31 PM

If you set your bike in your Amazon garage it will tell you. I also checked the size in the service manual.

SLOWn60 · August 28th, 2016, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by empire00

If you set your bike in your Amazon garage it will tell you. I also checked the size in the service manual.

I followed the link above: It comes up that this kit does NOT fit a 2012 Ninja 250!
(We are in the 2012 forum section)

empire00 · August 28th, 2016, 10:54 PM

We are in the 08-12 section and it does fit my 09. I was unaware that there was a difference in the shims from 08 to 12

The Seldom One · August 28th, 2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by empire00

We are in the 08-12 section and it does fit my 09. I was unaware that there was a difference in the shims from 08 to 12

there isn't, but when ever I put the bike in the "garage" section it says it does not fit, and most of these kits don't specify the diameter of the shims. I did find out that the diameter we need is 7.48mm and hot cams hcshim01 is 7.48mm. Looks like I'm going to go ahead and grab those, I was going to order from an online dealer with free shipping, but don't want to wait until September 10 to put this bike back together.

Thanks for your help guys.

SLOWn60 · August 29th, 2016, 12:15 AM

Good to know they fit regardless the garage says no! I'm about to crack the covers on my bike this week for its first check (11,000 km). Hopefully; I won't need shims but that's a great link for if I do!

ducatiman · August 29th, 2016, 05:25 AM

As Amazon listing unclear...always good habit to cross check and verify listings at the manufacturers website using the part # listed.

hotcamsinc.com

Description:
7.48mm Complete shim kit 1.20-3.50mm in .05mm increments with 3 shims in each size
Part Number: HCSHIM01

The Seldom One · August 29th, 2016, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

Good to know they fit regardless the garage says no! I'm about to crack the covers on my bike this week for its first check (11,000 km). Hopefully; I won't need shims but that's a great link for if I do!

I'm at roughly the same miles as you and my exhaust valves were out of spec (tight), only cylinder 2 on the intake was a hair out of spec and I'll be able to swap two of the shims around.

When you remove your valve cover, be careful with that coolant hose that goes into the cylinder head. Mine had a lot of dirt wedged between it and the valve cover, and when I took the cover off, guess where it went?
Learned my lesson to wash the bike before doing work.

@ducatiman Yep! Thanks

Sirref · August 29th, 2016, 08:39 AM

I trade mine in at the local bike shop, no charge if you just swap them out

RacinNinja · August 29th, 2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

I trade mine in at the local bike shop, no charge if you just swap them out

Was gonna say just this!

Sirref · August 29th, 2016, 09:04 AM

^ Just make sure you measured everything right before you do it. Since you don't have numerous choices on hand you have to go back to the shop if you made a mistake

measure 10x cut once type thing

RacinNinja · August 29th, 2016, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

^ Just make sure you measured everything right before you do it. Since you don't have numerous choices on hand you have to go back to the shop if you made a mistake

measure 10x cut once type thing

One more thing: Use a micrometer and NOT a caliper.

Make a chart with the layout of the valves. Use this for the shim thickness and the lobe to bucket gap. Draw a box on it and place the shim on the chart so they don't get messed up.

Personally, I use old mini muffin tins for this sort of work. The mini's are smaller cups and you can use it for nuts, bolts and all kinds of other things too. You can keep the shim and the valve cup in the same hole. Keeps you organized!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stor...tegoryId=12598

Sirref · August 29th, 2016, 09:58 AM

I love little tricks like that. I've always used egg cartons myself

RacinNinja · August 29th, 2016, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

I love little tricks like that. I've always used egg cartons myself

Even cheaper!

Sirref · August 29th, 2016, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacinNinja

Even cheaper!

Plus you get some good protein out of it!

cuong-nutz · August 29th, 2016, 12:01 PM

X2 on the micrometer. This will give you the most accurate measurement although you can get a semi close enough measurement with a caliper.

I buy shims in bulk (4 pack) of the sizes I know I will need and mostly from Ebay.

August 28th, 2016, 09:39 PM	#1
The Seldom One ninjette.org member Name: N/A Location: Seattle Join Date: Aug 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 17	Where do you buy your Valve Shims? Hey I have ANOTHER question. I figured I would be able to easily find a valve shim kit for my bike. Apparently that isn't how it works. General google searches bring up shim kits, but they aren't specified to fit my bike. I also can't find out info on the shims so that I might be able to order some based on just the size. So, does anyone know where I can order a kit from? or individual shims that are in .025 increments instead of the poem .05 I would rather buy a kit, seeing as they run the same price as 8 new shims. Thanks.

August 29th, 2016, 12:15 AM	#8
SLOWn60 n00bie to wannabie Name: Bill Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake) Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '15	Good to know they fit regardless the garage says no! I'm about to crack the covers on my bike this week for its first check (11,000 km). Hopefully; I won't need shims but that's a great link for if I do! __________________________________________________ The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over

August 29th, 2016, 05:25 AM	#9
ducatiman ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Gordon Location: new york Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): '95 DUCATI 900SS/SP '07 DUCATI SS800 '19 HONDA CBR650R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '18, Mar '17	As Amazon listing unclear...always good habit to cross check and verify listings at the manufacturers website using the part # listed. hotcamsinc.com Description: 7.48mm Complete shim kit 1.20-3.50mm in .05mm increments with 3 shims in each size Part Number: HCSHIM01 __________________________________________________ gordon@customcarbservices.com Custom Carb Service www.customcarbservices.com
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 29th, 2016, 08:39 AM	#11
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	I trade mine in at the local bike shop, no charge if you just swap them out __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

August 29th, 2016, 09:04 AM	#13
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	^ Just make sure you measured everything right before you do it. Since you don't have numerous choices on hand you have to go back to the shop if you made a mistake measure 10x cut once type thing __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 28th, 2016, 09:52 PM	#2
empire00 ninjette.org member Name: Sean Location: Southern IL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250r SE, 2015 FJ-09 Posts: 171	I bought a kit from amazon. https://amzn.com/B000UKM6LG

August 28th, 2016, 10:31 PM	#4
empire00 ninjette.org member Name: Sean Location: Southern IL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250r SE, 2015 FJ-09 Posts: 171	If you set your bike in your Amazon garage it will tell you. I also checked the size in the service manual.

August 28th, 2016, 10:54 PM	#6
empire00 ninjette.org member Name: Sean Location: Southern IL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250r SE, 2015 FJ-09 Posts: 171	We are in the 08-12 section and it does fit my 09. I was unaware that there was a difference in the shims from 08 to 12

August 29th, 2016, 09:58 AM	#15
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	I love little tricks like that. I've always used egg cartons myself __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 29th, 2016, 12:01 PM	#18
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	X2 on the micrometer. This will give you the most accurate measurement although you can get a semi close enough measurement with a caliper. I buy shims in bulk (4 pack) of the sizes I know I will need and mostly from Ebay. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

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