Speed Twin 1200 Valve Clearance Check

Switters · Jan 11, 2024

Thought I'd take some pictures of the cam chain tensioner for those who are interested. First one is as it came out of the bike:
Showing plunger and spring:

Incidently, the snap ring and resistor ring (see the service manual) are very lightweight. Reassembly was pretty simple. I could push the plunger back in using my thumb (no need to use a vice), hold in position and locate the snap ring.

Pegscraper · Jan 11, 2024

These hydraulic/spring tensioners are pretty similar across different manufacturers. My Husaberg has (had) one which gave trouble so I replaced it with a Dave Hopkins manual tensioner. My first Street Scrambler would give a few "ticks" on startup until the oil pressure came up but the one on the current bike rarely does it. The ZZR also has one but has never given trouble. The removal/installation procedure on all of them is virtually the same.

RickM46 · Jan 11, 2024

Switters: torque spec on the tensioner?

Switters · Jan 12, 2024

RickM46 said: ↑

Switters: torque spec on the tensioner?
Click to expand...

16Nm

Eldon · Jan 12, 2024

My 675 if left parked on the sidestand for a while, say 1 or 2 months, will rattle the cam chain tensioner for the first half minute or so then settle down.
The sidestand being on the left must drain down the tensioner being on the right but no issue really although worrying until you get used to it.

Grumpa63 · Mar 7, 2024

Switters said: ↑

My 2019 Speed Twin 1200 with only 12000kms has suddenly started making a worrying engine noise. I've posted a video here:

So I checked valve clearances today. I thought I'd post some info of the procedure:

1. Disconnect battery, Remove seat.
2. Remove tank. Only difficulty is the clip that holds the fuel line. Slide the one part forward and then push the 2 tabs in to enable you to lift the connection off. It's tricky. I used pliers and screwdriver to push these tabs in whilst carefully levering upwards. Remember it's all plastic so take care. it's got a one way valve so only a tiny amount of fuel will come out.
3. Remove everything that is above the camshaft cover - the electrical parts that are attached to the upper frame, the coolant filler cap holder etc. You need a torx 30 and there's about 7 bolts . There's one screw bolt that points vertically up and is difficult to access. Removal enables some electrical components to remain on the RHS and the rest of the plastic, wires and spark plug caps exit on LHS. Remove coolant overflow thin hose. Coolant cap pushes up and forwards into the frame. You now have enough space to remove the camshaft cover.
4. Undo camshaft cover bolts x4
5. Use rubber mallet to free up cam shaft cover and remove to LHS. Take your time. NEVER lever up with screwdriver. View attachment 163337 View attachment 163338

6. Remove spark plugs
7. Bike in 6th gear, rotate wheel and watch the cams and valves at work! It's brilliant!
8. Starting on RHS rotate the engine a few times to see what is happening to the cam lobes and valves. At one point the 2 lobes settle pointing upwards. Continue rotating until the camshaft lobes are positioned pointing directly away from the roller on the rocker shaft. ie downwards. Here you can see the horizontal alignment marks on the end of the cam and the casing. Now measure the 4 valve clearances for the right cylinder.
View attachment 163339

I also noticed at this point a circular mark visible on the uppermost part of the interior cam lobe:
View attachment 163340

8. Rotate the engine again using the rear wheel to do exactly the same on the left cylinder. The marking on the end of the camshaft is different but use the same principle of cam lobes pointing away from the roller and look for the circular mark on the interior cam lobe.

Triumph specs:
Intake 0.05mm - 0.13mm
Exhaust 0.12mm - 0.22mm

I hope this helps. It's my first check on a Triumph. I've previously had Ducatis and BMW boxers over 20 years. Any comments welcome...
My Speed Twin engine had started making worrying noise so I was concerned. I found my exhausts were both 0.17mm on LHS and 0.13mm and 0.14mm on RHS. But ALL intakes were too tight. One at 0.04mm and the other 3 at less than 0.04mm. I couldn't even get the feeler gauge in! WTF!!! The bike has only done 12,000kms and Triumph schedule first valve check at 32,000kms!
Click to expand...

Hi Do you know if those clearance specs are the same on the 2022 model Euro 5? I apologise for my picture of my current bike being a Honda CB1100RS but later this week it will be a speedtwin

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