The Triumph Valve Shim Removal Tool MBI-VSRT lets you change valve adjustment shims on Hinckley Triumph shim-over-bucket engines without removing the camshafts. The plate bolts to the cam caps, and the legs hold the tappet buckets down while you lift out the shim and drop in a new one. It does the same job as the Triumph factory tool T3880012, and it’s easier to use and costs less. If you’re doing a valve clearance check on a 1991–2001 Trident, Trophy, Daytona, Sprint, Tiger, Speed Triple, or Thunderbird, it turns a cam-out job into a cam-cover-off job.
Why Use a Shim Removal Tool
- Leave the camshafts in place. You don’t have to remove the cam chain tensioner, lift the cams, or reset cam timing just to change a few shims.
- Less risk, less time. Leaving the cams in avoids the most common errors in a valve job: wrong cam timing, mixed-up cam caps, and over-tightened cap bolts.
- Works across two cylinders at a time. On the factory-style design, the legs can be moved along the plate so you can do the same valves (intake or exhaust) on two cylinders next to each other without moving the plate.
- Pays for itself. At $59.42, one valve adjustment at home costs less than shop labor for a cams-out job.
Which Triumph Engines It Fits
Use it on Hinckley Triumph engines with 25mm shims on top of the bucket:
- 1991–1998 Trident 750/900
- 1991–2004 Trophy 900/1200
- 1992–1993 Daytona 750/1000; 1993–2006 Daytona 900/1200/Super III
- 1993–1998 Sprint 900; 1993–1998 Tiger 900 (up to VIN 124105)
- 1994–1996 Speed Triple 900
- 1995–2004 Thunderbird 900; 1996–2001 Adventurer; 1998–2001 Legend TT; 1998–2003 Thunderbird Sport
- 1997–2001 Daytona T595/955i and Speed Triple T509/955i (up to VIN 141871)
Not needed for: engines with 9.5mm shims under the bucket, such as the 2002-on Daytona 955i, the Speed Triple 955i from VIN 141872, and later 1050 and 675 triples. On those engines the camshafts come out to reach the shims. It’s also not needed for the liquid-cooled twins (SOHC). Check your service manual if you’re not sure which valve layout your engine has.
How to Use the Tool
- With the engine cold, remove the cam cover and spark plugs. Measure and record every valve clearance with a feeler gauge.
- Turn each bucket so its shim slot faces where you can reach it. The slot faces forward for intake valves and backward for exhaust valves.
- Put the bike in top gear and turn the rear wheel until the cam lobes push the valves you’re working on fully open.
- Bolt the plate to the cam caps. The hold-down bolts only need to be snug, about 7 Nm. Line each leg up with the rim of its bucket and bottom out the leg bolt.
- Turn the engine back slowly so the lobe moves away from the shim. The leg keeps the bucket down. Don’t let the cam lobe hit the tool legs.
- Lift the shim at the slot with a small flathead screwdriver, then remove it with a magnet. Measure it with a micrometer and work out the new size.
- Oil the new shim and fit it with the size marking facing down. Make sure it sits flat in the bucket.
- Turn the engine until the lobe presses on the shim again and the bucket clears the leg. Remove the leg, move on to the next valve, then recheck all clearances when you’re done.
Pair the tool with a K&L Valve Shim Kit 25mm VSK25 so every size is on the bench, or order single K&L Adjustment Shims MBI-KLSHIMS. For a real-world example on a carbureted triple, read our Hinckley Triumph Barn Find article. webBikeWorld’s Triumph valve adjustment guide also has step-by-step photos of this type of tool in use. Browse more Triumph engine tools or the full Triumph service tools collection.
Please note: Due the nature of the product, we unfortunately do not accept returns on bearings, service tools or electrical components. Please be confident about your purchase before ordering. If you have questions, please contact us.
The product images shown are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product received. Manufacturers occasionally make minor cosmetic changes to items, such as color, finish, label, or design. These changes do not impact the item’s function or compatibility. Please contact us if you have specific concerns regarding appearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Triumph valve shim removal tool do?
It holds the tappet bucket down, against the valve spring, while the cam lobe is turned away. That leaves enough room to lift the 25mm shim out of the top of the bucket and fit a new one without removing the camshafts.
Which Triumph motorcycles is the MBI-VSRT for?
It’s for Hinckley Triumph engines with 25mm shims on top of the bucket. That includes the 1991–2004 carbureted triples and fours (Trident, Trophy, Daytona, Sprint, Tiger 900, Speed Triple 900, Thunderbird, Adventurer, Legend TT) and the 1997–2001 T595/955i Daytona and Speed Triple up to VIN 141871.
Is this the same as Triumph tool T3880012?
It does the same job as the Triumph factory shim removal tool, T3880012. It also uses the same method: a plate that bolts to the cam caps and legs that hold the buckets down. It’s easier to use and costs less than the factory tool, which can be hard to find at dealers.
Can I adjust Triumph valves without removing the camshafts?
Yes, on shim-over-bucket triples and fours, if you use this tool. Engines with 9.5mm shims under the bucket, like the 2002-on 955i and the 1050 and 675 triples, need the camshafts removed. For those engines, you don’t need this tool.
Do I need this tool for a liquid-cooled Bonneville, Thruxton, or Speed Twin?
No. This tool isn’t needed for the liquid-cooled twins (SOHC). Follow the valve clearance procedure in the service manual for your model.
What else do I need to change the shims?
You’ll need feeler gauges, a micrometer to measure the old shims, a small flathead screwdriver, a magnet or pick-up tool, a new cam cover gasket if needed, and replacement shims. The K&L VSK25 25mm shim kit covers a full range of sizes.
How do I turn the engine over during a valve adjustment?
Take the spark plugs out, put the bike in top gear, and turn the rear wheel by hand. Turn slowly, because the engine can jump forward past top dead center. With the tool fitted, make sure the cam lobes don’t hit the tool legs.
Which way should the bucket slot face?
Turn the bucket so the slot faces where you can get a screwdriver into it. That’s usually toward the front for intake valves and toward the back for exhaust valves. Do this before you fit the tool legs.
How tight should the tool bolts be?
The plate bolts thread into the cam caps, so they only need to be snug, about 7 Nm. Overtightening can damage the threads in the cam caps.
What are the valve clearances on a carbureted Hinckley triple?
The factory spec is 0.10–0.15mm (0.004–0.006 in) intake and 0.15–0.20mm (0.006–0.008 in) exhaust, as listed in the Hinckley Triumph maintenance and restoration guide. Always confirm the spec in the service manual for your model.
Can I return the valve shim removal tool?
Because of the nature of the product, we don’t accept returns on service tools. Please check that your engine uses 25mm shims on top of the bucket before you order. If you’re not sure, call us at 720-570-7884.
