Valve lash adjustment. Low compression

[Aeronca]

I recently took my 1980 CBX in to a local bike shop to rectify a problem I was having with number 2 cylinder. It was not firing until 4000 rpm was attained. The bike has been sitting for 8 years and has been driven only a few times a year for 10 km or less. 8 years ago I had all the carbs professionally cleaned and set from a CBX specialist.
Apparently the shop has number 2 working properly now but they tell me I need to do a valve lash adjustment to finish the job properly. They dont have the tool required so I was hoping someone out there could tell me where I could find one. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
They also gave me the following compression readings starting at number 1 thru 6
Cold 85 120 95 103 94 109
Hot 145 150 135 145 140 135
They advised me the tolerance hot or cold was 170 plus or minus 14. Is this correct?

They said a valve lash adjustment may rectify the compression readings but if not I am looking at a full rebuild

Can anyone confirm the diagnosis I was given? Finding an experienced CBX mechanic has been impossible and I have had miserable times in the past. These guys seem to be good but are not experts on the machine. Ive had the bike for 40 years and put 45000km on it. Im not in a position to do the work myself as I dont have the expertise. Im ok with minor maintenance but this is above my pay grade.

I love the bike and really want to get it back on the road before my riding days are over.

Anything comments on my dilemma would be hugely appreciated.

Many thanks

[daves79x]

I can't tell where you are located, so can't help with a CBX specialist near you. However, at about 30,000 miles, those hot compression readings are fine. If you've owned the bike that long, you should have a good history of when and at what mileage the valves were adjusted. If the answer is 'I don't know' or 'never', yes the bike needs a full tune up. Your shop should have DOHC Honda valve adjusting tools and shims if they do any extensive work at all.

Since your carbs were rebuilt, have you been draining them in the off season? I'm sure whoever rebuilt your carbs recommended doing it.

If you cannot do the tune-up and service work yourself, yes, you indeed need to get the bike to someone who can. Let us know exactly where you are and we may have some suggestions.

Dave

[Rick Pope]

There are several "Oakvilles". If it happens you're in Indiana, there's a very good CBX guy in Cincinnati, OH.

[daves79x]

He's apparently in Canada, from what I can tell, but Canada is a big place too.

Dave

[EMS]

Oakville is a town in southern Ontario, located in Halton Region on Lake Ontario halfway between Toronto and Hamilton.

[Aeronca]

Hey guys
Yes Im just outside of Toronto Ontario Canada. I have unsuccessfully looked for a CBX specialist for years. The guy I had before was excellent up but has now retired and is no longer available.
The valves have never been done since the bike was new as far as I know. The shop where its at does not have the tools and have indicated I will need to find them if I want them to do the job. Can anyone give me an idea what the maximum amount of time should be...worst case scenario for labour?

Glad to hear the compression isnt too bad. Im hoping to ride her for many more years.

Once again I really appreciate the help here. What a resource. Without it I would be fumbling around in the dark.

Happy new year to all.

[Aeronca]

Dave
I have been draining the carbs every year by selecting the fuel off and letting the bike run until it starves. After that I drain the float bowls via the drain screws. Didnt seem to matter for number 2 carb however as problems surfaced this year.
The shop also tells me the front tire needs replacing. There are only a few hundred miles on it at best but its over 15 years old. The bike has always been stored in a garage. Any suggestions for a good front tire for the CBX?

I will leave you folks in peace now! LOL

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

A decent set of tires for a decent price is the Shinko Tourmaster 230.
They offer a 100/90-19 front and a 120/90-18. You could also use a 130 rear.
Fortnine in Canada has a good reputation. https://fortnine.ca/en/catalogsearch/re ... ster%20230

Did you ever hear back From Cyclewerx in Toronto about working on your bike?

Another suggestion would be to join the www.cb1100f.net and ask about a local mechanic.
There are a number of Toronto area members on that site. If they know of a mechanic that will work on their DOHC 4 they might work on your DOHC 6. Worth a shot.

[daves79x]

Wow! 30K miles and no record of valve adjustment. I'll bet you have some tight ones. If your shop does not have the tools and experience to do this, I would not have them do it. Lots of pitfalls even for this relatively simple job on the CBX. First thing is, many tach drives/cam holders/cams have been ruined right off the bat by an unknowing mechanic not removing the tach drive before removing the valve cover. If your shop does not have the factory CBX shop manual - run away as fast as you can.

I'm only 3 hours from Buffalo, then however far you are from there. I'd be happy to work on your bike if you could get it to me. But there is surely someone nearer you that could help. Oh, replace the tires in pairs, please.

Dave

[Aeronca]

Appreciate the advise and responses very much.
Ive signed up on the other Honda site with fingers crossed a mechanic can be found.
Turns out my problem was not number 2 carb at all but a frayed spark plug wire...And the hours I spent looking at the wrong root cause!
I see there are a number of places on the net which sell the tool to adjust the valves
The bike is at a Harley Davidson dealership. The mechanic says he hasnt done a valve adjustment before on the CBX but is comfortable with taking on the job....Im a little apprehensive after the warnings here.
Dave...I would take you up on your offer in a flash if it wernt for the 4 + hour drive. I still may. I will be in touch via email. Great reccos on the tires.

[EMS]

I am a little suspicious about the 4hr drive from Oakville, ON to Knox, PA. I am in a southern Cleveland, OH, suburb and it takes me at least 4 hrs to get to Niagara falls.

[hondaman160mph]

I wouldn't have a Harley Davidson dealership adjust the valves on my CBX if they offered to do it for free,
just my opinion.

[Larry Zimmer]

I wouldn't have a Harley Davidson dealership adjust the valves on my CBX if they offered to do it for free,
just my opinion.

When's the last time a Harley mechanic had to do a valve adjust? Might ask the guy about his background. While the basic valve check/adjust isn't rocket science, some relevant experience might be a good thing.

[EMS]

Indeed the valve adjustment is not rocket science. And a shim over bucket adjustment is definitely one of the basic skill preparations every motorcycle mechanic will go through in proper training. It is part of MCI's curriculum.
Let's not put all Harley mechanics down. The fact that there are more V2 service points out there which provide jobs for these guys doesn't mean everybody who works there is a nincompoop.

[tevan]

Indeed the valve adjustment is not rocket science. And a shim over bucket adjustment is definitely one of the basic skill preparations every motorcycle mechanic will go through in proper training. It is part of MCI's curriculum.
Let's not put all Harley mechanics down. The fact that there are more V2 service points out there which provide jobs for these guys doesn't mean everybody who works there is a nincompoop.

Lol