I think it would depend on the actual machine you were servicing rather than the number of cylinders employed. I know from personal experience getting "0" clearence on the Desmo closing rockers can be time consuming when you have to stone the shims down on the wet stone, having said that they're likely to last 20-30,000 miles when done right.
I can balance the carbs of a twin by ear and nose but not a four I would need vacuum gauges. Shimming 20 valves on a Yamaha is quite time consuming, but again they may last 20,000 miles. The worst engines I ever serviced for a freind were a Honda CBX 1000 (6) and later his Kawa 1300, very expensive as well. IMHO the cost of ownership with the Ducati, Guzzi, Norton............... is more than repaid by the next ride. John ---------- Original Message ----------- From: Mark Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 15:48:22 -0500 Subject: Re: A vision of Guzzis (OT) > Godfrey DiGiorgi <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >I've owned several four cylinder motorcycles as well as several > >Ducatis with desmo valve gear. In all cases, without a doubt, > >the four cylinder engines take more time to service and maintain, > >particularly when setting the valves. > > All I can tell you is that the builder of the Frankenbike has owned, > street-ridden and raced Ducati singles and twins as well as Japanese > fours, and he's worked as a motorcycle mechanic (he's currently the > service manager at a BMW dealership) for over 20 years. > > -- > Mark Roberts > Photography and writing > www.robertstech.com ------- End of Original Message -------
