Valve shims

I’m new to motorcycles. I’ve got a 1977 KZ750 twin and I plan on checking the valve lash. I’m wondering if it’s normal to check them then order new shims that are needed, or if there’s a kit/pack with varying shims to have on hand for replacement.

It is very handy to have an assortment however a set of shims is an investment.
Measure clearance, measure shim, determine what you need.

Does anybody sell kits for the 750 twin?

I suspect what you will end up doing is measuring to determine what you need and then asking the other 750 twin owners here if they have what you need.
If there is a well-established (old) shop near you that services old Japanese bikes, they might have a stash someplace.

I'd pop out each shim when you check valve clearance and take inventory. Then you can order shims that are thinner than what's installed now so you have them on hand when the time comes. The valve clearance will decrease with mileage as the valve sinks into the head with wear thus thinner shims will be needed in the future, not thicker.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationOr if you plan on keeping the bike for a long time get a set, works out loads cheaper than individual shims and you should always have the size you need to hand.

I've found buying them individually off fleabay expensive and used shims often are worn thousandths out of the listed size.

The twins have the largest size shimes and are hard to come by.
Steve

Be sure to stick with OEM shims.

The 13mm shims in the kit above will not work in the 750 twins.

These will
www.z1enterprises.com/engine-parts/shims/32mm-shims.html

Measure your valve adjustment first and write down where each valve is at. Sometimes you can swap shims from one valve to another to correct adjustment and avoid having to buy shims you wont need in the end. I have found the Kawasaki dealers in my area still have shims, at least for the 900/1000 cc engines and they let them go cheap compared to buying off Ebay. If you go that way take a micrometer to the dealer and check each shim they give you to make sure it is the right size. Good luck.

Rick H.

Yes, check each shim. I have found OEM shims where the stamp is incorrect.

Didnt even notice it was a twin with 32mm shims, really should read the posts in full!
32mm, thats a big shim! Probably get away with using dinner plates if you cant find any :laugh: