Shim Measurement 101

Please refer to the shim measurement instructions in our Maintenance Guides for sale on this Site.

How we measure shims:

  • We sell shims from several different vendors, Ducati OEM shims being among them.
  • All shims are lapped to ensure flat surfaces. This makes any size markings on Ducati OEM shims irrelevant. Likewise customers should NEVER use shim markings on the side of shims to be the genuine thickness. Even on un-lapped shims, Ducati side markings can be off up to .05mm
  • We use high quality Mitutoyo digital calipers and micrometer measuring gauges.
  • All instruments are verified by a known thickness prior to measuring each shim, in this case a 10mm Mitutoyo stock of steel.
  • Closer shim measurement tools are verified using a Mitutoyo drop gauge prior to use.
  • All shims are re-measured prior to shipment to ensure accuracy.
  • Differences in tension on measurement gauges can create differences in measurements as great as .05mm. That means two different people measuring the same shim with the same equipment can have differences in measurements.
  • Realize that .05mm is thinner than the thickness of a human hair. It doesn’t take much for your measurements to differ from ours.
  • We recommend that customers purchase shim kits rather than individual shims to avoid delays in services.
  •  Should customers purchase individual shims, we recommend purchasing one size larger and one size smaller in addition to the thickness needed to prevent potential discrepancies in measurements from disrupting the timing to your valve service. Bracketing your sizes when ordering may cost you a few more shims, but will save in the long run in terms of time and postage expenses.