Are you sure you are reading the manual correctly? In my manual (2016) it states you don't need to check valve adjustment until 16,000 miles. Even then as I have read from those who have done it, that it rarely needs any adjustments.

 

He most likely has first year bike or a first year manual.
The manual for 2014 removed the 1,000 km (600 mi) valve inspection and recommends the first valve inspection at 24k kms (16k mi.).
His manual probably looks like this

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My 2017 did not call for valve inspection at 600 miles. As others have said, that step was determined not needed. I got the oil changed and that was it at the first service. No issues other than some vibrations, and I know where one source is.

 

My manual for a 2014 bike supplied in Thailand has a sticker over the requirement, just about visible in attached photo

 

so even if you have a first year bike you wouldnt have to do both services? i figured you should use the guide that corresponds to your year model?

 

Usually what I hear from dealerships is that it is kind of a "meme" check. They say it's a Honda and, to top it off, that in this case it's a great engine that runs quite low on revs. Just my two cents, but would like to know whether or there's actually any sort of indicative or sound tipping off that a clearance is needed, because it's a big bill to pop the engine open, cleared or not.

 

With this engine design you're always going to hear a little valve chatter. I noticed a slight uneven valve chatter at around 18k miles and did my valve inspection. I found one shim out of spec and replaced it. You can refer to my valve adjustment video in the tech section if you'd like to inspect your valves on your own.

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The worse case is when you DON'T hear clatter because a valve is tightening up. Still, I think the requirement for a valve check at 600 miles was a mistake that Honda rectified in the post-3013 models.

 

My experience with bucket shim, tight or lose valves drift back. I've never heard of a bucket shim system break a valve stem or burn a valve like the nut and bolt systems. Heck, machine shops are going under.

 

I just had my valves checked at 17,000 miles.
Everyone of them needed adjustment. Total for that plus spark plugs was $270.

 

Where does one buy the shims? Do they come in a variety pack or what?

 

Your nearest bike shop or dealer ought to be able to sell you what you need. I have half a dozen shops within 15 minutes drive from where I live. If you don't have that luxury then you can order a whole kit from the usual sources. I determined what I needed and drive to the closest place and got it no problem.

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