That's true and a pain in the a**e. So I'm too lazy to drop the plate all the time, thus the rear wheel rotation thing to align the marks is easiest for me.

It's a hassle to take off the tank to get to the valves.

If you've got that far it's only one bolt at the front for the AS bashplate. Once that's removed the whole thing will swing down an inch or so to give the necessary clearance.

Trying to inch the engine over accurately, on your own, using the rear wheel seems, in comparison, a major PITA.

It's more of pita to get that damn bolt out imo. Even worse getting it back! 😡

valve adjustment
 

I have to ask though, did you have the 1st service done at 600 miles-ish? The original engine oil from factory is a thinner flushing type oil and is used to basically to clean the engine out and is dumped at 600 miles for the standard grade. If you don't get rid of this factory oil as soon as required, the engine will sound rattly when hot.......and will be gasping for the correct thicker grade.[/QUOTE]

Yes the oil was changed, the mechanic said they tend to rattle when hot. I have just done a 100ish mile ride with the outside temp at + 2degrees and the rattle was not as loud seems temperature is the key. Plus new fuel was used from a different garage.