Im considering having some headwork done along with swapping my 650 torque cam out for a 640 or 650 high rpm cam. Port and polish, bigger valves etc. Builder is recommending 11.5 compression. My question is, is it worth spending the money to swap some of the valve train over to titanium?
Titanium valves
- Thread starter nthery520
- Start date
When I was at the Dallas Motrocycle Show a few weeks ago I was with a few guys who seemed very knowledgable about the on/off road market. Anyways, I guess the new Yamaha ON/OFF roads use titanium valves and there is a problem with them wearing prematuraly and require frequent adjustments. From what I understood from the guy is that almost everyone ends up swapping them out for stainless valves. In the end they are cheaper, last longer, and require less adjustments. All outweighing the potential performance/costs from titatinium valves.
Now again this is regarding off road only so we are talking much higher RPM's. I have no knowledge on the subject on VTWIN, but I suspect much of the same result. Maybe John Sachs can chim in on his experience.
Now again this is regarding off road only so we are talking much higher RPM's. I have no knowledge on the subject on VTWIN, but I suspect much of the same result. Maybe John Sachs can chim in on his experience.
john sachs
Well-Known Member
A lot more than meets the eye with titanium valves. 
John
John
Bad or Good?A lot more than meets the eye with titanium valves.
John
From what I understand you also need the appropriate valve seat as well, stainless valve seat will wear the titanium. Have what I heard correct?
Light weight valves are an advantage in high rpm engines. Lighter valve means it's easier to control by the valve spring. Less valve spring will cause less wear and increase reliability.
With that being said, putting a titanium valve in a chopper is a waste of money. You just aren't going to realize the benefits of the valve and may actually make the bike less reliable. John sure would be the one to ask.
With that being said, putting a titanium valve in a chopper is a waste of money. You just aren't going to realize the benefits of the valve and may actually make the bike less reliable. John sure would be the one to ask.
john sachs
Well-Known Member
Vegas is right, in that you won't get near the mileage you should with titanium valves. :bang:
You need lash caps, plus a lot of other work to run them.
We only use them in racebikes.
Pictures of my son's O.L., and their racebike..........Fastest female on 2 wheels.
You need lash caps, plus a lot of other work to run them.
We only use them in racebikes.
Pictures of my son's O.L., and their racebike..........Fastest female on 2 wheels.
Attachments
damn john you must be proud of your son and his wife.... i need to get ahold of you to talk about some head work...talked about 1.5 -2 yrs ago but lost your #...if you can pm me with it if you would... so i can run by you what i want...thanxx happy holidays....
I agree with Vegas and John. Your builder recommendation of 11.5 compressionn sound impressive, but will not do well on pump gas. If you own stocks in VP Racing fuels you'll be Ok if not you'll wish you did. My opinion :2thumbs:
Carlos