Idle up a bit after V7 850 valve adjustment (2024)

I just did my 6,200 mile valve adjustment. All were too tight except the exhaust on the left cylinder. After adjusting the idle speed is up a bit. It used to alternate between 1 and 2 bars above 1,000 RPM, and now it shows 2 bars above 1,000 RPM. It was too late to go for a test ride, but it seems to rev fine.

I know there's not a manual idle adjustment so I'm not sure I need to do anything or should I not worry about it?

john zibell said:

1200 RPM is a good idle speed. Don't worry about it.

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That's just it. On the Stone's tach, I believe each bar between numbers represents 200 rpm, so I think mine is idling at 1,400.

Farilpieno57 said:

I had the dealer perform the initial valve adjustment and oil change at 900 miles, and just notice on the work order that they replaced the valve cover gaskets and the valve cover bolt grommets. Is this supposed to be done each valve adjustment? The GTM vid for the V7 III says the gaskets are reusable, and it appears from my dealer's fitment guide the V7 850 uses the same gaskets. And since they looked perfect it didn't appear they should be replaced.

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I've replaced the valve cover gaskets at each service, but mostly because they're included in the maintenance kit from Cadre Cycle. I just completed my 18.6k miles service and have yet to replace the cover bolt grommets. They seem fine, not leaking or dried out. I don't believe the service manual mentions specifically replacing them, it just says to inspect.

DK90 said:

I've replaced the valve cover gaskets at each service, but mostly because they're included in the maintenance kit from Cadre Cycle. I just completed my 18.6k miles service and have yet to replace the cover bolt grommets. They seem fine, not leaking or dried out. I don't believe the service manual mentions specifically replacing them, it just says to inspect.

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Thanks DK. Have you found your valves needed adjustment at each service? On my '22 Stone, with the exception of the left cylinder exhaust, the others had tightened considerably. In fact, both intake valves had almost no gap.

Farilpieno57 said:

Thanks DK. Have you found your valves needed adjustment at each service? On my '22 Stone, with the exception of the left cylinder exhaust, the others had tightened considerably. In fact, both intake valves had almost no gap

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Yes, they have needed adjusting at each service. Nothing of concern, though. They are usually all very close to spec, if needing any adjustment at all. I'd say at least one valve, maybe two will have remained in spec. I will usually redo all of them anyway just for peace of mind.

Farilpieno57 said:

I just did my 6,200 mile valve adjustment. All were too tight except the exhaust on the left cylinder. After adjusting the idle speed is up a bit. It used to alternate between 1 and 2 bars above 1,000 RPM, and now it shows 2 bars above 1,000 RPM. It was too late to go for a test ride, but it seems to rev fine.
I know there's not a manual idle adjustment so I'm not sure I need to do anything or should I not worry about it?

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Tight valves cause low idle (and worse). ECU is programed to idle @ ~1300 RPM temp depending. No adjustment available to the owner. Higher air temps bring higher idle.
Rubber valve cover gaskets don't need to be touched until they leak. Good way for a dealer to move inventory though.

@DK90 - you are aware my shop is just up the 55 in Orange, yes? Not sure if we've traded email or not.

GTM® said:

Tight valves cause low idle (and worse). ECU is programed to idle @ ~1300 RPM temp depending. No adjustment available to the owner. Higher air temps bring higher idle.
Rubber valve cover gaskets don't need to be touched until they leak. Good way for a dealer to move inventory though.

@DK90 - you are aware my shop is just up the 55 in Orange, yes? Not sure if we've traded email or not.

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Hi Todd, yes we have traded emails several times. I purchased some Bitubo shocks and a couple other small items recently and I've been to your shop. I usually do the routine fluid changes and valves myself, as I enjoy it. I was not aware you sold all the necessary items for routine maintenance, but I am more than happy to buy it from you if you stock it. I'm usually pretty good about browsing the store tab before I look elsewhere. Mostly referring to consumables like oil and air filters, washers, plugs, etc.

DK90 said:

Hi Todd, yes we have traded emails several times. I purchased some Bitubo shocks and a couple other small items recently and I've been to your shop. I usually do the routine fluid changes and valves myself, as I enjoy it. I was not aware you sold all the necessary items for routine maintenance, but I am more than happy to buy it from you if you stock it. I'm usually pretty good about browsing the store tab before I look elsewhere. Mostly referring to consumables like oil and air filters, washers, plugs, etc.

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Very good, thought so, thanks. I don't keep the basic items on the Store outside of the filters now, linked below. However, we stock most everything these days for the small blocks and CARC bikes. I have a few things in for the V100 in the Store as well.

GTM® said:

Tight valves cause low idle (and worse). ECU is programed to idle @ ~1300 RPM temp depending. No adjustment available to the owner. Higher air temps bring higher idle.
Rubber valve cover gaskets don't need to be touched until they leak. Good way for a dealer to move inventory though.

@DK90 - you are aware my shop is just up the 55 in Orange, yes? Not sure if we've traded email or not.

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Thanks Todd, good to know. I also found GTM's YouTube vid on performing the valve adjustment and oil change very helpful.

It has been my experience of pushrod ohv engines (50+ years of successful home spannering on all pretty well all types of motor) that cumulative wear on various parts of the valve gear generally tends to loosen valve clearances, especially in the first few thousand bedding in miles.

When I checked the valves on my V7 850 Special (which had gradually become louder), three were slightly loose and one in spec. I consider this to be normal for this type of engine.

I reused gaskets and seals. The air-oil cooled Triumph Thruxton I owned and serviced for several years had a similar arrangement regarding valve covers and so did my oilhead Beemers. I never needed replacements on any of them. I don’t expect to on my Special either until they age-harden. I take my time to ensure that damage is avoided.

Farilpieno57 said:

I had the dealer perform the initial valve adjustment and oil change at 900 miles, and just notice on the work order that they replaced the valve cover gaskets and the valve cover bolt grommets. Is this supposed to be done each valve adjustment? The GTM vid for the V7 III says the gaskets are reusable, and it appears from my dealer's fitment guide the V7 850 uses the same gaskets. And since they looked perfect it didn't appear they should be replaced.

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DId you get the vid through GTM Store?

artkodiak said:

DId you get the vid through GTM Store?

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On GTM's YouTube channel, but it is on a V7III. I think they did the euro spec. When I get the SAS and UpMap... I believe Todd's map is set up for those mods as well as the tip/canister delete.