VStar 1300 valve adjustment info

[Cruiserider]

I have a 2009 VStar 1300, and after taking it to the dealer a couple of times for the periodic valve adjustment, I'm very much wanting to do the job myself to save money. I'm a service tech and work on mail processing equipment, so I'm mechanically savy. Does anyone have a step by step procedure for doing this? I've been told that the factory manual has you removing several things that are not really necessary. I know from experience that in the real world, there are tips from experienced mechanics on cutting through the clutter and getting the job done easier and quicker, bypassing the unecessary steps. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I want to be more self-sufficient on maintaining my bike. I love it, and want to spend more money on trips and less on the shop.

[Wrider]

To be honest, the service manual is your best way of doing it. You don't have to remove everything it says, just get access to it, but if I were you, I'd have someone that's done valve adjustments before there with you to help.
I'm not familiar with your mechanical background, but make sure you can use a feeler gauge correctly, it's vital in this case.

[Johnj]

Alan, unless you have an experienced Yamaha service tech to show you the ropes it's best not to take any shortcuts, at least the first couple of times. BTW what do you work on, flat sorters, DBCS's, APPS, or the monster FSS

[dr_bar]

Dang, just how many posties on here besides me???