cmb Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 I am in need of some help. Since I just started riding last year, although now I wish I had done this years ago, I need help in preparing for the riding season.I am wondering what things I should check before I start riding again.Since I have some temporary duty assignments coming up, I would like to be able to ride my bike to them. As of right now, the farthest I am looking to ride is the MSP.On my list so far is an oil change, check the chain and brakes.Thanks for any help and ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
that dude Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 tire pressure oil levels brakes chain sprockets coolant level gas level battery condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casper Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 Change engine oil (check color & smell of oil - city riding could require an oil change every 2000 miles)Change oil filterCheck batteryCheck clutchCheck throttle (oil cable & check free-play)Check front & rear brakes - pads & discs (discs are much more expensive than pads)Grease swing arm & linkagesCheck tires & rimsCheck drive chain wear, tension and alignmnent (too loose is better than too tight)Lube side stand, gear linkages foot pegs & rear brake etcLube cables & chain (inside not outside of chain)Check electrics (especially the rear eg tail lights)Check steering head bearingsCheck tension of all bolts & nuts (especially ones you've messed with previously)Check brake fluidCheck swing arm bearings (grease & check free-play)Check wheel bearings (grease & check free-play)Check fork seals & rear shock (change fork oil every 12000 miles)Check coolantCheck final drive oil (if shaft drive) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReconRat Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 and take the rodents out of the exhaust and intake... it happens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmb Posted February 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 starting to look like I am getting out of my element of repairs.Guess I have a lot to learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casper Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 starting to look like I am getting out of my element of repairs.Guess I have a lot to learn.Not at all. You're live close. I'll help you out. Max Power lives out this way as well. I have to jet his carbs when it gets a bit warmer out. We'll just get together and go over everything with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmb Posted February 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 ThanksCurrently my bike is on the south end in my dads garage, waiting for it to get slightly warmer as I am garageless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 its all a lot easier than it looks. i was in the same boat as you after my first winter, and now im changing out transmissions (well just one) and replacing clutches, etc...bikes are a lot easier to work on than it seems.no worries casper and max will help you out bud! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmb Posted February 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 I understand getting easier, as I have done some of the work on my Saturn, but not sure about my bike. I can do spark plugs, batteries, and maybe small things.I didn't even touch the clutch on may saturn, and now I might be one to advance to a clutch on a bike, this could get intresting. I guess this means that I get to buy more tools, or raid the boyfriends toolbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AOW Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 If you don't already, connecting the bike to a battery tender pays for itself the first winter storage. Keeps the battery maintained to peak w/o over charging and frying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warpspeed Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 i hope you changed the oil BEFORE you parked it..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegame Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 hmm... looks like i have some things to learn too. im bad at maintenance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 I guess this means that I get to buy more tools, or raid the boyfriends toolbox.Oh, it's a lady Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegame Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 Oh, it's a ladyhahaha i luv that movie.hey there sweet thang, can i buy you a fish sandwich? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phugitive Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 Oh, it's a ladyNot necessarily on this site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 cmb isn't a member of the DTC, so I assume cmb isn't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AOW Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 I hope you changed the oil BEFORE you parked it.....naaa, you're better off changing the oil before the riding season. Condensation will build in the oil if bike is just sitting all winter. Better to drain off the oil/condensation mix before the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaNick Posted February 28, 2009 Report Share Posted February 28, 2009 naaa, you're better off changing the oil before the riding season. Condensation will build in the oil if bike is just sitting all winter. Better to drain off the oil/condensation mix before the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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