Hi, all -

as you read from my story, I adjusted valves this weekend.  Went pretty well, thanks to all the info here.  Before, the cam chain tensioner was shot, so it was loud.  Now, it's quiet.  Like really quiet.  I can hear a very slight ticking on the top end.  We adjusted the valves to 0.004.  Rotated the engine multiple times and rechecked.  They were all easy to get a 0.004 in to (no binding, etc.).

With everyone talking about tappy valves, I am now worried that they are overtightened.  Wouldn't we really have had to mess up to overtighten them, being as we re-checked?  Are valves just normally pretty quiet when in spec, just barely audible over the exhaust?

Another question - can I ride without a front fender, or does it help hold forks in place?

Thanks!
Andy

if they are in spec, they are in spec. no worries.

I think a bunch of people run without the front fender. If you ride when it is wet you'll get a bunch of crap in your face though.

valves get louder the hotter the bike gets, and hearing them over the exhaust depends on what kind of exhaust you have. Ride around for a while to get the engine nice and warm, then lean down and see if you can hear them then. Typically people get more concerned when they hear strange ticking noises from engines than when they don't. if it works and doesn't make noise, maybe you just got a special bike  

hmm... or you need hearing aids