I usually like to go by the book.  The user manual of the S40 recommends checking the valve clearance every 3500 miles.  I usually like to go by the  book, but every 3500 miles is a lot of labor.

There is at least one member here that has gone virtually 150,000 miles on his Savage.  That would mean checking the valve clearance about 42 times if going by the book!

How often do you check the valve clearance on your bike?  (The more answers the better).

As a sidelight, the manual says to change the spark plug every 7500 miles.  How often do you change the spark plug?

Thanks for your answers and your help.
Ron G

Thanks Versi.  You being very familiar with the out of adjustment valve sound would know when it needs adjustment.  I don't know what that sounds like.  Would there be a youtube or video that would show what an out of adjustment valve would sound like?

I know that valves can be too loose or too tight.  It would be nice to hear the out of adjustment valves in each condition.


The spark plug is another issue.  I would hate to be clear across the state of California in Lake Tahoe when my spark plug begins to act up.  It seems counter intuitive to wait for it to go bad rather than be pro-active and fix it before it happens.  Or do spark plugs give you plenty of warning before they go completely out?

Open to your thoughts.

Thanks a lot for your help,
Ron G