Vesrah valves, aftermmarket cam chain brands

[Guest]

I'm getting a shopping list together to rebuild and clean up a cylinder head assembly I bought recently so that I can change it over on my '81 650G. I'd like to replace one exhaust valve and one intake valve (one cylinder appears to have been running too lean, the other valves are in excellent condition). Looking at BikeBandit, and using original Suzuki parts, I'm looking at approximately $24 for an intake valve and $48 for an exhaust valve. Looking at CRC2 I can get Vesrah valves for half that price. Is this a good route or should I stick with OEM?

Similarly, shopping for a cam chain, $70 and change for an OEM Suzuki part, around $50 and a bit for a Tsubaki or DID.

Not a great difference but if I can save a bit and still get the quality, I'd like to. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

[Nessism]

The stock cam chain is endless so you will have to split the cases to install it. Tsubaki and DID are both solid brands, most likely one of them made the stock Suzuki part. You can't go wrong.

For the valves, are you sure the valves you have are bad? I have no experience with non Suzuki valves but in general, aftermarket parts tend to be inferior. That said, some stock parts are crazy expensive so I wouldn't blame you if you want to get something cheaper - such as a Vesrah gasket kit. Sorry, no help here.

Good luck.

[rapidray]

Do NOT buy Vesrah gaskets! Unless you want practice changing gaskets. When it comes to gaskets, unless it's a dragbike, I ONLY use STOCK Suzuki gaskets. Ray.

[billp]

Shop at flatout motorcycles, oem parts and better prices than bikebandit.

Bill

[fast pom]

I had some custom valves made through Dynoman in S/S cost about $45 each in/ex very good quility. But what ever way you go surgest you get them all re-seated.

[bwringer]

Do NOT buy Vesrah gaskets! Unless you want practice changing gaskets. When it comes to gaskets, unless it's a dragbike, I ONLY use STOCK Suzuki gaskets. Ray.

Yes, this is my experience as well.


Vesrah used to make good gaskets, but they sure don't any more.

I wouldn't trust their valves either -- that's not really a lot of extra money for the stock valves, considering the possible consequences in time and money.

[Flaggo60]

........I wouldn't trust their valves either -- that's not really a lot of extra money for the stock valves, considering the possible consequences in time and money.

Well, I'm sold. OEM Suzuki it is, and thanks to all for their experience and advice. Vesrah was claiming exact spec matches to OEM, but why take the chance?

[Nessism]

I can't blame your guys for recommending the stock gaskets...only they are VERY expensive. The Vesrah 550 gasket kit uses a metal head gasket which looks pretty good. The 550 kit also doesn't use those stupid square O-rings like the large GS engines use - the ones that like to squeeze out. Just my opinion here but I'd do some research on what type of gasket/seals the 650 uses and as long as the Veshrah doesn't use these rubber seals, I think you are safe to get the kit.

[Flaggo60]

Shop at flatout motorcycles, oem parts and better prices than bikebandit.

Bill

Bill,
Thanks for that reference, they are cheaper.

Cheers,
Ted

[Flaggo60]

I can't blame your guys for recommending the stock gaskets...only they are VERY expensive. The Vesrah 550 gasket kit uses a metal head gasket which looks pretty good. The 550 kit also doesn't use those stupid square O-rings like the large GS engines use - the ones that like to squeeze out. Just my opinion here but I'd do some research on what type of gasket/seals the 650 uses and as long as the Veshrah doesn't use these rubber seals, I think you are safe to get the kit.

Nessism,
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I checked and it appears that the decision has been made for me, as Vesrah does not make gaskets for the 650 (again, the orphan in the GS line. ) So OEM it'll have to be.

Cheers,
Ted

[rustybronco]

I'd like to replace one exhaust valve and one intake valve (one cylinder appears to have been running too lean, the other valves are in excellent condition).

how about getting two "good" used valves for the head and lapping them in?

[Nessism]

how about getting two "good" used valves for the head and lapping them in?

My guess is that the valves in the head are fine. You can judge them by looking at the color on the combustion chamber side. I'd pull the valves out and measure them using a micrometer. Also, look a the face - sealing surface. As long as they are not hammered, reuse them. You can always get them faced as well although you are unlikely to need it.

[Flaggo60]

how about getting two "good" used valves for the head and lapping them in?

Rusty,
Where would I get those? You have got me thinking though-I am assuming the two valves are cooked that are in the head-maybe I'm wrong. I cleaned up the faces with a brass wire brush and they cleaned up fine, just that the finish faces are pitted to some extent. When i have them out, I'll post a picture and see what folks think.

Cheers, Ted

[rustybronco]

Rusty,
I am assuming the two valves are cooked that are in the head-maybe I'm wrong.
I'll post a picture and see what folks think.
Cheers, Ted

My first thought was the same as Nessism's, I really doubt the are damaged beyond salvation.
pitted faces? possible rust from being open to the elements?
post pictures.

[Flaggo60]

My first thought was the same as Nessism's, I really doubt the are damaged beyond salvation.
pitted faces? possible rust from being open to the elements?
post pictures.

Here's a shot comparing the damaged one to one of the other three. Don't the valves have a heat coating on them, and if so, it seems to be gone on the damaged one.