After a year of owning the RE Classic 350/2022 model and 12000km (7500 miles) of riding, I made the decision to perform the first valve clearance adjustment on my motorcycle as a DIY project.
The motorcycle had gone through its scheduled services at the right intervals, including the usual oil and filter changes; however, the valve clearance adjustments had never been done.
The vehicle was functioning well and giving me a mileage of 40km per liter (25 miles per liter of petrol), so I didn't want to alter anything or want the mechanics to open up something that was outputting more kilometers per liter than what the company had advertised.
So, after completing one year of ownership and covering 12000km, on opening up the cam cover, I noticed that both valves were too tight. So, loosened the valves to spec, and the following improvements were noticed:
1) One of the unexpected changes was the expulsion of droplets of water that had accumulated inside the silencer. These were remnants of my frequent motorcycle washes, which the previous exhaust pressure had been unable to flush out. It was a simple yet gratifying result of the valve adjustment.
2) Before the valve adjustment, my motorcycle's gears seemed to max out too quickly. I found myself constantly shifting up, seeking more power. However, post-adjustment, I experienced a substantial increase in torque that changed the dynamics of my rides. Suddenly, each gear had more to offer, and I couldn't help but revel in the newfound power. I found myself staying in each gear longer, enjoying the thrill of the ride like never before. I was now effortlessly cruising in 4th gear, a noticeable improvement from my previous habit of reaching 5th gear after just 500 meters into a ride.
3) Despite the remarkable increase in performance, one thing remained constant—the impressive mileage of 40 kilometers per liter. 1000km more completed after the adjustment. Contrary to my initial concerns, the valve adjustment had not compromised my motorcycle's fuel efficiency. It seemed that my motorcycle was now delivering both power and economy, a combination that left me pleasantly surprised.
In my experience, I discovered that an often-neglected aspect of motorcycle maintenance, the valve clearance adjustment, can have a profound impact on your riding experience. Tight valves can hold back the true potential of your machine, and a well-executed adjustment can unleash a beast within your 350-cc vehicle.
So, if you're a Royal Enfield Motorcycle enthusiast seeking to optimize your ride, don't underestimate the significance of valve clearance adjustments. It's a small step that can lead to significant gains in power and performance that might surprise you.
The motorcycle had gone through its scheduled services at the right intervals, including the usual oil and filter changes; however, the valve clearance adjustments had never been done.
The vehicle was functioning well and giving me a mileage of 40km per liter (25 miles per liter of petrol), so I didn't want to alter anything or want the mechanics to open up something that was outputting more kilometers per liter than what the company had advertised.
So, after completing one year of ownership and covering 12000km, on opening up the cam cover, I noticed that both valves were too tight. So, loosened the valves to spec, and the following improvements were noticed:
1) One of the unexpected changes was the expulsion of droplets of water that had accumulated inside the silencer. These were remnants of my frequent motorcycle washes, which the previous exhaust pressure had been unable to flush out. It was a simple yet gratifying result of the valve adjustment.
2) Before the valve adjustment, my motorcycle's gears seemed to max out too quickly. I found myself constantly shifting up, seeking more power. However, post-adjustment, I experienced a substantial increase in torque that changed the dynamics of my rides. Suddenly, each gear had more to offer, and I couldn't help but revel in the newfound power. I found myself staying in each gear longer, enjoying the thrill of the ride like never before. I was now effortlessly cruising in 4th gear, a noticeable improvement from my previous habit of reaching 5th gear after just 500 meters into a ride.
3) Despite the remarkable increase in performance, one thing remained constant—the impressive mileage of 40 kilometers per liter. 1000km more completed after the adjustment. Contrary to my initial concerns, the valve adjustment had not compromised my motorcycle's fuel efficiency. It seemed that my motorcycle was now delivering both power and economy, a combination that left me pleasantly surprised.
In my experience, I discovered that an often-neglected aspect of motorcycle maintenance, the valve clearance adjustment, can have a profound impact on your riding experience. Tight valves can hold back the true potential of your machine, and a well-executed adjustment can unleash a beast within your 350-cc vehicle.
So, if you're a Royal Enfield Motorcycle enthusiast seeking to optimize your ride, don't underestimate the significance of valve clearance adjustments. It's a small step that can lead to significant gains in power and performance that might surprise you.
