Valve Shims Interchangeable?

[eddard]

I need a couple of valve shims for my GS850GL.

I used to own a 1981 Yamaha XS1100 Special many years ago, and I still have 5 shims and the tappet depressing tool for it. On a whim, I measured the O.D. of those shims, and found they are 1.160" in diameter. That converts to 29.464 mm. Though I have not yet removed any of the shims from my 850, I believe they are 29.5 mm in diameter.

My question.....are the Yamaha and Suzuki tappet shims interchangeable?

[Steve]

No. Please re-measure your Yamaha shims. Use METRIC measuring, not doing any conversions.

Yamaha and Kawasaki use 29.0mm shims, Suzuki uses 29.5mm shims.

Yes, the Yamaha shims will go into the space, but it's not a proper fit in there, so I would not use them.

.

[bbytes]

Off topic, but my dad owns a 1981 XS1100 Special. It's a nice bike to ride.

[eddard]

Just an update.....

I pulled some of the Suzuki shims (for measurement) and found they are exactly the same diameter as the Yamaha shims.......1.160". The measurement was done with a dial caliper that is accurate to .001"

Unfortunately, all the Yamaha shims are too thick, but they could be used to fill the bucket while others are measured.

[Nessism]

Just an update.....

I pulled some of the Suzuki shims (for measurement) and found they are exactly the same diameter as the Yamaha shims.......1.160". The measurement was done with a dial caliper that is accurate to .001"

Unfortunately, all the Yamaha shims are too thick, but they could be used to fill the bucket while others are measured.

Yamaha shims are 29mm and Suzuki's are 29.5mm.

Something is wrong.