Since Lou is showing all his fancy Motion Pro-like tools, here is some shade-tree stuff. My valve spring installation tool. MikeV

Added 2/19: The trick is to install the zip tie around the spring like in the first photo, put the loose end in a vise, and gently pull back while holding the rocker till the spring is tight. Then you install all on the pin as part of the assembly process, and cut the tie with a knife or scissors when everything (including the shims on both ends) is in place. Now I have two versions of the Ducati rocker holding holding tool, but I still get snapped by the spring a lot --- like it was a dungeness crab.

See Carlo's comments below: Now there is a REAL MAN!

Mike,

I have terrible eyesight at the best of times so I squint and puzzle at what serves as backstop locating the rocker to the holder tool maybe one more pic against a plain background would work if you have the time for all that. The trouble we have with comprehending text is there are no key-symbols for waving hands – serious problem...

Motion-Pro has nothing on you Mike! Lou

I manage to fit them with your hands, but not because I'm a very strong man, but because my race bikes do a twist to the return spring, scoring a precise point, if the spring unless load, everything will be much more sliding and with less power loss.

Of course, the closing of the valve, must be "zero palpable" ... is the manner which I consider the right to measure a ZERO.

i might try that, every chance it'll work better than the factory tool. with the older motors (pre 00 or so) with the multitude of shims both sides it's always a pita to get the spring side shims in when they're the far side. i have my 400 heads to do soon.