Ducati Traditional 2 Valve - Adjusting Valve Clearances

Presented by Brad the Bike Boy. This is part 3 of 5 parts on changing cams, adjusting valve clearances and adjusting valve timing on Ducati traditional 2 valve engines.

We are looking to produce a number of other videos in the future in this series - Mike

Brad is based in Melbourne Australia and specialises in Ducati motorcycles.

[aldoladrondeguevara]

Very nice video! Shows how a real mechanic would do it. Sometimes you went to fast but it just shows how confident you are doing this. Im learning the ins and outs to tackle this and this is been my favorite video on YouTube 👏👏👏

[mikecarroll]

Thank you Brad. I've watched your video so many times on valve adjustments. Your method makes the most sense to me of all the videos I've watched.

[umbertoecho]

Thank you Brad. My 900SS has 88K miles on her and I've always measured and adjusted with belts on. I'm a convert now however and I appreciate this method. Cheers!

[jamesmanser]

I appreciate the time you put into this. Have read some of your stuff but really nice to see it. Demystifies the process a lot.

[MarttiSuomivuori]

Thank you for posting this. I have had a tremendous problem imaging the Desmo valve drive in my head.
It seems it is one of the main things complicating Ducati sales as there aren't enough trained mechs to do it properly.
Not exactly rocket surgery...but complicated enough to make the clients go get a Kawa, Triumph, or a Honda.

[wriggleze]

"it's pretty simple" yeah Brad, thats why I get you to do my valve timing and clearance. Because it ain't simple to me 😂😂

[michaelhayward]

Nice clarity, simplicity and ease of maintenance.
On the bench.
On some models, working with the motor in the frame as per normal, i can imagine it being a bit of a nightmare. Ease of access, room for fingers etc etc. Especially the inlets and rear exhaust. The later the model the worse with EFI/airbox stuff in the way?

[dionysis_n]

I'm planning to do my valve clearances on my m600 soon. Thanks to this video I feel much more confident. Thanks mate!
Wish me luck 🤞
Do you think I should change the piston rings and adjust the cam timing at the same time or no need for that?
The engine has done 94k

[svvitchio]

Really handy video Brad.

Just wondering, is there anywhere you would recommend sourcing shims and what not in Australia?

[mikecarroll]

Question for you Brad: Since I will be changing the engine oil when I do the valve adjustment, should I drain the oil before the adjustment or after, considering that the engine will be turned over many times in the process using a crank turning tool?
Many thanks for your expertise.
Mike C., USA

[flegolas]

thats a pretty in dept video im about to adjust my clearance aswell but i thought you just have to messure, get new ones and good, but this video shows me that you need a variety which is pretty fucked because i have to drive like 40min to the dealer to get the shims

[micromymario]

Excellent system in driving but disastrous as maintenance .... it is 10 times more complicated than on other bikes.
Do you think the engine is at risk at 40, 000 km if the glasses are not changed? ... it works perfectly.
Does it really make sense if the engine is running well?

[RenegaeDraemeR]

If my valves don't have enough clearance. Do I need to sand the shims?

[sredju]

how much space take the oil between cam and rocker?

[diccywigulz]

How's the cam supposed to spin freely if the opposing closing rocker is still engaged to the valve??

[woody]

Hallo Brad, hast auch ein paar Tips zu dem Ventilspiel der 999r von 2005? Einstellwerte? Gruß Uwe

[ickess]

Well, this sealed it for me. I might be more willing to attempt this on some one else’s bike before I attempt on mine the first time.
Thank you for the great video and saving me the time of pulling it all apart and getting in over my head.

[Miniorpernik]

My opener shim is way too large....I need 6.75+...Is it time to change the rocker arm?Or is there any way I can get a shim that size, anyone?

[mcozpda]

great video, but i have a big and nice problem .. with a 750 paso /88

[frankpinion]

I think the adjustable tappets with just using a feeler gauge, screw driver and spanner on the MotoGuzzi is much easier than this. It's a very convoluted and difficult as well as time consuming process. I guess it might have it's advantages but certainly not at service time.