AboutBill Silver Expertise Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.
Experience I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.
Organizations VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America
Publications VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.
small 6mm bolts/studs need about 5 ft lbs.
larger 8mm nuts should get about 14 ft lbs.
Valve clearances are .002" COLD on both intake and exhaust valves. Set them when the piston is at the T mark on flywheel and when the camshaft lobes are DOWN, so valves are closed. If you set the valve clearances when the cam is on "overlap" (both valves slightly open), then when you turn it one more turn to check the valve clearances will be VERY LOOSE.
I hope you know to install the camshaft/sprocket properly when the piston is at the top!
