Are Shims for Valve Clearances Proprietary?

[freelancer2011]

Hi All,

I've got a day off work to do the 24k service, next week (at the awesome Oval Motorcycle Centre). Where, I'm hoping to be taught how to check for the Valve Clearances and examining the shims.

Can anybody tell me if the shims (if any are determined to be replaced) can be bought anywhere else online (or local parts stores) or are they BMW-proprietary?

Reason I ask is not so much cost but I figure I can buy various ones ahead of time (or even to walk to a vehicle parts store) and then hit the road same-day after. My local dealer doesn't have any sizes in stock. However, if there aren't any other sources then it will either be me coming back another day or leaving the bike there until I can get the shims I need.

Cheers,
Lab.

 

[thomo57]

I wouldn't bother, its highly unlikely you will need any.. unless you thrash it
Micky has done over100K with no adjustment required.

 

[freelancer2011]

Thank you!

I've dropped her about 4-5 times, stationary. Then, there was the crash out in Croatia. Stanchions, upper and lower fork braces were replaced. Run-out on wheel was sorted the other day. What do you reckon?

Also, can you tell me if I do open the top to do the checks and there are that do need replacing, can I temporarily re-use the same gasket rings until I get the new shims in? Or should I have to replace the gasket set twice (for opening the valve cover twice)?

Cheers,
Lab.

 

[adventuredon]

gaskets

I never changed my gaskets, even though my shims also needed replacing. Ordered 1 day and collected next day from BM. OMC are a great help.

 

[Smug]

Can't you grind them down a bit if you need a bit more clearance?

 

[adventuredon]

No point . They cost about a 5 in total.

 

[Wal2]

www.wemoto.com
they do shims for some bikes...(not sure about BMW though) i know some people who grind them down......but good chance are you won't need to change them all anyway, so won't cost the earth

 

[freelancer2011]

Cheers all! I'll chance it, then :O)

Yup, OMC are a great help!

Lab.

 

[eraserhead]

Can't you grind them down a bit if you need a bit more clearance?

The shims are only hardened on the surface, grinding would expose the softer steel inside and allow accelerated wear.