Best valves for your buck????

[biggyfive-ohh]

Getting ready to service the valves on my '05 crf 450 soon, would apprciate any advice on what kind to get . i'm just over 42 hrs and I have had to shim (or de-shim) twice. At 35 hrs. then again at 40 . Exhaust and decomp. seem fine. I understand this is common, but should I have the exhaust done while I'm at it or just do the intake side. I want something that will get me through another 40- 50 hrs or so (if possible) . I need to learn this four smoke maintenance regiment, (but it's kleeeeen smoke) cause I sure do love them Big Red thumpers. Thanks, Biggy

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Kibblewhite Black Diamond stainless steel valves and their matching racing spring kit with titanium upper retainers is the best solution for long term durability, and a stable valve train at high rpm.

You can examine the exhaust valves for valve face erosion. If there are pock marks and indentations in the valve face they should be replaced. Make sure and check the exhaust valve guides for wear at the same time. They tend to wear quickly.

 

[karterron]

Rich

What's a set of those run, and also shouldn't you mention a high quality grinder should be used as well? Just replacing valves without sending them to a Pro for grinding and matching the seats will wear these out just as fast as stock, or so I have been told. We had our 04 KX done and have had no problems at all with that motor. I'm thinking about doing the 05 over the winter just as precaution, stock valves still in spec.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Having a proper valve job done when the valves are replaced is a given . ;)

Prices vary by models. The KXF/RMZ need to have the OEM lifter buckets replaced with better quality pieces if you are planning on running stainless valves and the corresponding springs.

 

[Jim Ferguson]

My son's 05' CRF 450 intake's went to the smallest shim and couldn't get clearance. I had called two Honda tech's and they both said they just replace the Titanium valves with no seat grinding. I did that but they lasted a month, they had the same cupping as the originals. After that I figured I just a get a new 06' head ($260.00) and OEM valves/ springs , at my dealer suggestion I had the seats done at their shop with their new Honda grinding tool. His mechanic messed it up or couldn't get it or whatever so I bought the new head after all. After a few rides they're at spec, just like my 06' 450. So long story short, get the seats done when you get new valves, OEM or Kibblewhite. I'll send the old head in for new seats and Kibblewhite valves for a spare. Only problem is the Kibblewhite springs are expensive!

 

[Jaybird]

If you increase the lifespan of your valve train by say....10x, would you then consider the equipment expensive?