Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

Where was I? Ah, yes...I ordered two lots of shims from Wemoto (£2.98, plus vat); a set of 170s, and a set of 165s. Came to about £20 including post. The 170s gave a 0.30 clearance that was a bit tight, and the 165s produced a "snug" 0.30 (just as well, because Wemoto actually sent 3x170s and 1x185) So 165s in, then the cams and caps after oiling everything up; then the sprocket and chain, etc. Rotate engine couple of times to allow chain ajuster to take up any slack in chain and re-check timing. All good. Everthing else back on and hit the button. Started easily, and settled down to a steady tick-over. Exchange a "thank fuk for that" with responsible adult.
Now need to take it along for an MOT because, wouldn't you know it?... when I tried to tax it I discovered the MOT had run out. Once that's done, I'll fit the 140 mains, and the 16 tooth engine sprocket that is supposed to improve pick up, or something. At any rate, it might shift the roughness to a different part of the rev range so that at a steady 20 or 30 mph it isn't so jerky.
Blimp

I'm very happy to hear that it all worked ok.

Thanks, dicky.
Hopefully the ride down to the MOT testing station won't reveal any issues. Obviously I can't really try it out while I'm swapping the main jets and changing the engine sprocket if there's no MOT on it. There was no point doing any of that if the valve clearances where under spec. so it was a job that couldn't be put off.

Hi Blimp!

Well done you!

As for a test I know of a mechanic that lets the engine running in idle until the fan* kicks in to find out whether all is in order.
(* requires a working** thermo switch)

That said, I would not do that without suspiciously watching it all the time.

But better than finding a fault on your ride to the MOT station ...

(** since mine is not working I use a tricky wiring to activate (only!) the fan with the high beam switch)

Keeping cool greets from Munich!

Hi Holer
Thanks for advice, but the man I go to is old school and assumes that if you've survived riding bikes for 40 years you probably aren't a complete idiot (don't tell him!). There used to be an old guy who, if it was raining, would conduct the test through a window (by this time he had stopped repairing bikes and didn't have anywhere suitable under cover). "That looks alright. Pass." The man I go to isn't that relaxed but is very easy-going, which is handy because my back tyre is starting to resemble a semi-slick. I intend to take the bike off the road over winter for a cosmetic overhaul and new tyres are on the list. Just hope he doesn't remember that's what I said that last year.
Blimp