I have a 2014 1290 with 22,000 miles (35,405 km). Lately I had cold starting issues which I thought might have something to do with fueling sensor issues. Earlier within 9,200 miles(14805 km) I had hot starting issues which turned out to be valve clearance issues. As it turns out my intake valves had 0 or negative clearance, once adjusted it started, ran and idled perfectly. So when my bike started having cold start issue's, tight valves didn't come to mind because tight valves (in my mind) should give more issues with warm starting before cold since the valves would be open more warm than cold. Well as it turns out, my intake valves yet again had 0 to negative clearance.
Now I don't ride my bike hard. I will occasionally get on it hard for a thrill, but I mostly ride like a grandpa. My question is, has anyone experienced valves that continually needed adjustments and was it for a bad reason like bad valves/seats? Also has anyone had this happen initially, then have the valves settle in?
Most people I talk to say generally with the rc8,1190 adventure motors that have the crap ridden out of them usually don't even need valves adjustments at all or rarely.

Jonnyrotton is your bike running the original airbox?
The standard airbox leak around the lid and let in dust which will quickly wear out intake valves.
Install a Unifilter 1190 ADV filter kit (less the snorkel filters) which comes with a foam seal for the lid.

I f€€€in doubt it!!

Ic4, yes I'm still running the stock airbox and filter. I think I will try the uni filter kit for the 1190. I hope if it is dirt causing the intake valves tightening up so drastically, that the filter stops that.