[jack]

New to this bike, have 385 miles and I love it so far,I joined this forum to get questions answered,t the dealer I bought it from did not seem to be knowlegable about their own product ,and at 170 dollars per hour I feel they should.so anyway I will attempt my own service of the bike except the valve adjustment procedure is a bit scary.But I will attempt it I am not a mechanic by trade but have worked on a few cars..I have a 2012 honda goldwing which i like alot , this new bike is a kick to ride.looking forward to anyone that has a classic 350 to chime in on do's and don'ts.thank You Jack

 

[Veloman]

Having just done the first service on my Classic 350 at 307 miles I would say go for it and do the complete service including the tappets. Some tips from my experience.

Watch some of the YouTube videos on the subject. Not just one but several as each have their way of doing things.
Take your time, be methodical, the first time will take longer as you are learning as you go along.
Use genuine parts and keep receipts, document and take photos of your progress in case of need to claim under warranty at a later date.
Removing the tank connections is fiddly, the fuel line particularly needs fingers on both sides pressing the locking tabs hard in the confined space. The plug to fuel pump only has a tab on one side, remove wire from clip on fuel pump, remove protective cover from plug, press the tab with one finger and gently ease the plug out.
Move coil, loose plugs etc well clear and secure out of the way of the rocker cover. Ease the cover gasket out of the cover and leave on head, no need to disturb factory stuck part and with care can be replaced in cover after job is done
Remove spark plug, put bike in 4th gear, rotate rear wheel in normal direction of travel to set engine at TDC, no need to remove the crankshaft access cover on the crankcase cover. TDC is when arrow marked cam chainwheel is at top not the hole next to it as some video state. My tappets were really tight so its well worth doing.
Good luck!!

 

[jack]

Thank you for your detailed post on this,I will attempt it soon.I have been watching as many videos as possible.for the most part they all cover the important details ,good call on taking photos and keeping receipts.my only worry is getting the gasket lined up without ruining it .will let you know how it goes .thank you again for your input. jack .

 

[jack]

Well I got the nerve and watched as many videos that I could find and could do it in my mind over and over,I did the valve adjustment without a hitch,the problems I thought were going to arrise ,did not ,like the plug on the fuel pump just kind of fell off in my hand.did not have to unplug anything other than the fuel line ,that was simple,valves were just a bit too tight ,adjusted them and put it back together after taking lots of photos of the project,It went very easy.The dealer made it sound like it was going to be a big hassle.so If anyone wants to try themselves,take it from me ,go for it ,just do your homework.

 

[Veloman]

Glad you were successful in doing the valve adjustment Puzzled though that you say you only removed the fuel line. Does that mean you adjusted the valves with the fuel tank in situ albeit raised up a little?

 

[jack]

MY opologies to you for not clarrifing my entire procedure,I did remove the fuel line ,fuel enjection plug,vent hoses coil and ground wires,but as far as unpluging any other electrical plugs ,I was able to wire tie everything around the frame.Some of the other utube videos unplug 3 other plugs which is not necessary.I hope that explains my lack of communication It was actually really easy,One thing I was suprised about was the fuel enjection plug,Whe i pulled off the rubber boot the plug came with it as if it was just floating in the socket.I couldnt get it to clip in with an audible ;click;but it all worked out well ,no leaks using old gasket.thank you for your input,Jack