Piston decided to eat some valves….

[Chef]

Well. She’s done me really good over the last 14 years. About 30k miles. Hands down the best bike I’ve ever owned. Not saying I’m giving up on her tho. Riding the other day, she was riding super smooth all day, then she started clanking and clacking. Luckily I was able to get her home smooth in the back of the truck. Assessed the damage. Not sure if the timing chain jumped teeth or a valve just failed, but valve pieces definitely jumped all around the cylinder #4. No metal in the bottom end as far as I know, from draining the oil and inspecting the plug. Pic of spark plug below. Valve adjustment at 27k but ran fine for 3k miles after that. Not sure what happened. Gonna take it to the machine shop and see if it’s worth rebuilding. If not maybe I’ll just start the dreaded part out process. Lots of goodies. Any recommendations?

[Chef]

[rswebscan]

Wow, don't think I've seen an engine go with that low of mileage before....

[killer5280]

Tensioner let go?
Makes me worry about mine. Checked valve clearances a couple of years ago and a couple were almost tight but still spec.
75,000 miles now.

[Chef]

Tensioner seems to be in working shape when removed. I thought that might have been the culprit too, but seems valve failure

[killer5280]

How's the shim?

[killer5280]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/31445113517...Q#readMoreDesc

[Chef]

Thank you. I actually am watching that item on eBay incase I think I should just buy another one.

[killer5280]

Might be cheaper, easier and faster than rebuilding.

[Chef]

[Chef]

[Chef]

[rswebscan]

That looks like you're going to need a new engine

[Chef]

Thank you. I figured you guys would be honest and let me know the best course of action. So that’s 2 votes for a new motor.

[bradd]

That is really strange.
I'd also say a replacement engine would take less time and cost less.

[isleoman]

I won't be able to sleep tonight. Never seen a Gen 1 motor with that much damage in 22 years on the site. A replacement motor is my vote.

[TheRepairMan]

Excuse my ignorance... did the Gen 1 have 5 valve heads?

[Chef]

I know. What did I do?! Haha