Where to buy valve shims ?

[pearljam724]

Where can I buy a valve shim kit in order to adjust the valves on a 87 GS450L ? Thanks to anyone willing to shine some light on my subject. I've looked all around on the web to no avail. Thank you

[Nessism]

If you take an inventory of what shims you have and need, then you can order selective sizes from a place like Z1 Enterprises. Buying a kit is expensive and you will never use a huge majority of the pieces in the kit.

[cowboyup3371]

Or pay a lot less by going to the GS Services section of the site and working with the Shim Club

[pearljam724]

If you take an inventory of what shims you have and need, then you can order selective sizes from a place like Z1 Enterprises. Buying a kit is expensive and you will never use a huge majority of the pieces in the kit.

I've owned several sport bikes in my life, most of them being GSXR and I know Honda shims work on most modern Gixxers. I've never owned a cruiser or a V Twin of any kind up until a month ago. Nor do I have any clue what works on a bike this old. Good point about the kit. So, Z1 is the answer. Thank you, Sir

[7981GS]

E-mail sent.

Eric

[1_v8_merc]

I wouldn't depend on a dealership helping you out either.
You can try a smaller local shop, they might sell shims.

Most large dealers will give you a dirty look, and some have no idea what a shim is!
(A working brain is sort of optional, when you work in the Parts Department!)

I would measure all your valve clearances, figure out what you need, then order from Z1Enterprises....or you can join that groovy shim club, haha.

[pearljam724]

I wouldn't depend on a dealership helping you out either.
You can try a smaller local shop, they might sell shims.

Most large dealers will give you a dirty look, and some have no idea what a shim is!
(A working brain is sort of optional, when you work in the Parts Department!)

I would measure all your valve clearances, figure out what you need, then order from Z1Enterprises....or you can join that groovy shim club, haha.

Absolutely. I stay away from dealers and bike shops for that matter as much as possible. I called a dealer a month or so ago for a spanner wrench to adjust my sag on a zx10. I was transferred to a girl in the parts department. She had no clue as to what kind of tool I was referring to. She said they don't carry tools at a Honda dealership for a Kawasaki. Took a trip down there and found it immediately on the wall. Just one of a million reasons to stay away from dealers and most shops.

[pearljam724]

E-mail sent.

Eric

Thanks Eric. Hopefully, they will be available after I decide to tear it apart.

[1_v8_merc]

Absolutely. I stay away from dealers and bike shops for that matter as much as possible. I called a dealer a month or so ago for a spanner wrench to adjust my sag on a zx10. I was transferred to a girl in the parts department. She had no clue as to what kind of tool I was referring to. She said they don't carry tools at a Honda dealership for a Kawasaki. Took a trip down there and found it immediately on the wall. Just one of a million reasons to stay away from dealers and most shops.

I went to a suzuki shop for the valve tool everyone on Here recommends, and couldn't find it in the store.
I asked the clerk, he had No Idea what I was talking about!
He said "well you can just bring the bike in, and we can do the valves for you!"
I said "yeah right..." and walked out the door.