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Measured to factory spec · Kaki Bukit

Valve clearance service in Singapore

A valve clearance service measures the gap between the camshaft and each valve, then brings every gap back into the factory tolerance. Most manufacturers specify a check every 12,000 to 24,000 km, and high-revving bikes like the R6, ZX-10R and S1000RR often want it sooner. Skipping it is what turns a routine adjustment into a burnt valve and a full top-end overhaul, so it is one of the cheapest pieces of insurance on a motorcycle.

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Valve Clearance ✦ Shim Adjustment ✦ Cam Timing Check ✦ Compression Test ✦ Factory Spec ✦ VC Packages ✦ Valve Clearance ✦ Shim Adjustment ✦ Cam Timing Check ✦ Compression Test ✦ Factory Spec ✦ VC Packages ✦

What the service covers

  • Cam cover off, engine set to TDC and every valve measured with feeler gauges
  • Recorded before-and-after readings for each valve, shown to you
  • Shim swap or screw-and-locknut adjustment back to factory tolerance
  • Cam chain, tensioner and cam timing inspection while the cover is off
  • Valve cover gasket and spark plug seals replaced as needed
  • Compression check to confirm sealing after adjustment
  • New engine oil and filter, plus a road test

Signs your valves are overdue

  • Ticking or tapping from the top of the engine, loudest when cold
  • Noticeably less power in the mid and top range
  • Rough or lumpy idle that will not settle
  • Harder starting than usual, especially first start of the day
  • Worse fuel economy with no change in how you ride
  • Failed or borderline compression reading
  • You have passed 12,000 to 24,000 km since the last check
The process

How a VC service runs

  1. Book a slotValve clearance is a same-day job on most bikes, so book ahead and we will schedule it rather than have you wait.
  2. Measure coldClearances are only accurate on a cold engine. We set each cylinder to TDC and measure every intake and exhaust valve with feeler gauges.
  3. Show you the numbersYou see the actual readings against the factory spec for your model. If everything is in tolerance, we close it up and tell you — we do not invent work.
  4. AdjustShim-type engines get the correct shim thickness fitted. Screw-and-locknut engines get set and locked. Either way, we re-measure after adjusting.
  5. Check the surrounding partsWhile the cover is off we inspect cam chain tension, cam lobes and the tensioner, since these are far cheaper to catch now than later.
  6. Reassemble, oil and testNew gasket where needed, fresh oil and filter, then a road test to confirm the noise is gone and the bike pulls cleanly.
Pricing

Valve clearance pricing

Get an exact quote on WhatsApp
Engine typeWhat it coversPrice
Single cylinder — Class 2B2 to 4 valves. Scooters and small commuters.WhatsApp for price
Single cylinder — Class 2A / 24 valves, more fairing removal.WhatsApp for price
Parallel twin8 valves, both cylinders measured and adjusted.WhatsApp for price
Inline four16 valves. Supersport and litre bikes.WhatsApp for price
VC package with oil serviceValve clearance plus engine oil, filter and full safety check.WhatsApp for price
Shims (if required)Charged at cost, only for the valves that actually need changing.WhatsApp for price

We quote rather than publish a price list, because the real figure depends on your model, how much bodywork has to come off to reach the cam cover, and how many shims need changing. WhatsApp us your exact model and we will quote it properly.

Coverage

Models we do valve clearance on

Yamaha R15Yamaha MT-15Yamaha R6Honda CB seriesHonda CBRKawasaki NinjaKawasaki ZX-10RSuzuki GSXBMW S1000RRDucatiKTM DukeTriumph

Shim-type and screw-type, singles through inline fours. Desmodromic Ducati valve service is measured differently — send us the model and we will confirm before you come down.

Common questions

Valve clearance FAQ

Most manufacturers recommend a check every 12,000 to 24,000 km, depending on the model. High-performance bikes like the R6, ZX-10R and S1000RR may need it more often. Ticking sounds or a drop in power mean it is overdue regardless of mileage.

Most bikes are a same-day job. Inline fours and heavily faired bikes take longer because of the bodywork that has to come off, so we may keep it overnight.

Clearances tighten as valve seats wear. Too tight and the valve never fully closes, which burns the valve and the seat. That turns a routine adjustment into a top-end overhaul costing several times more.

Yes. You get the before-and-after readings for every valve against your model's factory spec. If your clearances are already in tolerance we will tell you and charge only for the inspection.

On simpler bikes, often yes — but the engine has to be fully cold before we can measure accurately, so book a slot rather than riding in and waiting.

No. We only replace the shims on valves that are actually out of spec, and shims are charged at cost.

Hearing a tick
from the top end?

Send us your model and mileage on WhatsApp. If a valve clearance is due we will book you a slot; if it is not, we will say so.

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Book & visit

Come down to Kaki Bukit

Address

25 Kaki Bukit Road 4
#01-57 Synergy@KB
Singapore 417800

Hours

Mon–Sat 11am–8pm
Sun closed

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Other work we do

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Engine overhaul
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ECU tuning & dyno
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