Some 07's had a noisy clutch, Yamaha was installing a new clutch basket for people who complained while under warranty. Yamaha said the noise did not affect the performance of the clutch. (this is the way I understand it but I was not affected by it in 08)

Valve adjustments (valve checks) in earlier models were suggested every 4,000 miles. I understand part of EPA requirements until they knew more info on the new engine.
I have an 08, at 11,000 miles I have not done the valves yet simply because in the newer bikes (I think 2010 and later) the owners manual was changed to every 16,000 miles for a valve check. After reading these forums that seems to be holding true no matter the year.

All the above is on my understanding of reading the forums, except I did verify the newer bikes owners manuals call for 16,000 mile checks. I also checked the part numbers of the entire valve train and associated parts and they are the same part numbers, no matter what year. I have no reason to believe I need to check the valves until what the new owners manual says. This is my own interpretation, based on MANY comments by others who have done their own checks, maybe some one else can offer more.

Engine noise on most bikes, you will hear more valve clatter on bikes without hydraulic lifters and the way I understand it, you should hear some.

 

Thanks for the info Alarmguy. The top end of my Sportster at times sounded like a spoon in a garbage disposal. I was told it is normal. I will be checking out the Vstar 1300 soon
Can't wait........

 

I asked the parts guy at the dealer about the noisy valves, and he said use synthetic oil. I changed the oil at 600 and 1500 miles with dino oil, and now I'm just over 2500 miles, so I think I will try synthetic at the next oil change. The valve train seems to have gotten quieter as miles add up. I can still hear them a little, but much quieter none the less. I can do the valve adjustment myself, so I probably will do that this winter for peace of mind, unless the dealer says not to worry about it for now.

The clutch basket doesn't bother me, but if Yamaha will replace it, I may have it done this winter.

I am growing fond of the George Jetson Mobile sound

So far I don't think I have heard of many, if any, 1300's that aren't a little noisy.

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I am growing fond of the George Jetson Mobile sound

Great way of putting it. I always thought of it like the bleating of a sheep.

Getting a better sound is going to be more trouble than it's worth. I don't want loud so I'd have to go with pipes and baffles and then all the chipping that goes along with that. Figure I'll just stay stock.



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