I haven't done the valves on my 2014 yet, only has 5000klm. But I own a gsxr1000 and an 1198, and do the valves on them. No, the engine can be anywhere when you start it. You can put in gear and move the rear wheel with your hand, assuming cam chain tensioned and spark plugs out. Never heard of such a thread stripped. Something likely wrong somewhere.
However, if it was me, I'd be absolutely sure the cam timing was correct, so I'd check the timing marks. Then I'd check them again. I have the zx10r service manual, but haven't read the section on valve adjustment yet. The suzuki tho I think is very similar, shim under bucket. With the suzuki, there's marks on the in and ex cam sprockets that have to be aligned, and there's a specific number of cam chain links between 2 points.
I'm an old bastard, mid forties, checking clearances with the cam chain properly tensioned is what you do, because you need to keep the timing in place but move your engine so you can check the second set of clearances. If you had to remove the cams to change a shim or two, I'm astonished you could remove them without the cam chain slack.
You need to have someone come around to check what you've done.
Or you need to calmly re-read everything relevant in the service manual, and go thru it again.
Because if the timing is off, engine damage can result.
However, if it was me, I'd be absolutely sure the cam timing was correct, so I'd check the timing marks. Then I'd check them again. I have the zx10r service manual, but haven't read the section on valve adjustment yet. The suzuki tho I think is very similar, shim under bucket. With the suzuki, there's marks on the in and ex cam sprockets that have to be aligned, and there's a specific number of cam chain links between 2 points.
I'm an old bastard, mid forties, checking clearances with the cam chain properly tensioned is what you do, because you need to keep the timing in place but move your engine so you can check the second set of clearances. If you had to remove the cams to change a shim or two, I'm astonished you could remove them without the cam chain slack.
You need to have someone come around to check what you've done.
Or you need to calmly re-read everything relevant in the service manual, and go thru it again.
Because if the timing is off, engine damage can result.