Bagstr 288 Posted January 31, 2012 What with the NOOB Ride and all, the North County Maint Day, a thread on maintenance seems to be in order. Sitting here in the Garage having just completed a 10k Service, a few issues are obvious. Chime in with Your List! Tires: Boy do they make a difference when you face a tough obstacle, be it a hill or sand. Gearing: Nothing like higher ratios to calm the loose, sloppy hillclimbs. 14/50 anyone? SAG!!! - My Goodness, this should be first on the list. Get someone to help you set it correctly. Different bikes vary, 100mm is not correct for all. Handguards, engine guards. If you are running an old moto, for G's sake change the spark plug and adjust the carburetor. Chain and sliders: I just swapped mine at 10k and it had stretched one full link. If it is kinky, measure the stretch. Fork and Shock oil, seals need attention after a couple of years. Your use may vary. Muffler: They need repacking to keep them quiet. Radiator: Fluid replacement and New hoses won't kill you after a couple of years. Lastly, a Kleen air filter is good insurance for that expensive, sophisticated engine you have. Sound Off, What have I missed Missed spokes, keep them snug and wheels true. B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCHWINN 0 Posted January 31, 2012 You said KINKY in a family thread Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted January 31, 2012 Chain sliders Bolts in general- I lose bolts all the time if I don't use lok-tite...keep them torgued folks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hobiee 28 Posted January 31, 2012 Bearings and bushings. Upper and lower shock, wheel, Head as in triple clamps and swing arm. Not necessarily replace but definitely check them for wobble and or play. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blind_in_1_ear 0 Posted January 31, 2012 Chain sliders yup, didn't really think this was a "consumable"...boy was i wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw ktm 0 Posted January 31, 2012 A set of new grips always make the bikes feel fresh. Cheap and easy to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 288 Posted January 31, 2012 Bearings - Do they always wobble before they break? To check?? Just grab the front or rear axles and attempt to deflect? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joliet 0 Posted January 31, 2012 I know you havent pulled the rear linkage since being submerged at last years dash (you know who you are). Pull that thing apart and repack those bearings in the swingarm and linkage. Here is a link to some handy wrenching threads. http://www.dualsportmoto.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=682a59bedff591e78c518f51ae01d9ff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hobiee 28 Posted January 31, 2012 Bearings - Do that always wobble before they break? To check?? Just grab the front or rear axles and attempt to deflect? Shouldn't be any play at all really and they like to be greased especially if you use a pressure washer to clean the bike. Messy job, but it helps keep you going. Any grinding or tension in the steering is a good indicator as well as play or wobble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 31, 2012 Bearings - Do they always wobble before they break? To check?? Just grab the front or rear axles and attempt to deflect? I check them every tire change- just grab them by hand and turn them. Some preload is fine, but ballsy/notchy feel is not. Also a great idea to check the spacer tension after installing the wheels. Sometimes the spacer that runs between the bearings through the hub becomes worn and just a leeetle bit shorter. You can tell by spinning the wheel and tightening the axle nut. If the wheel binds when the axle nut is tightened, the spacer is short and putting pressure int he inner races of the bearings, and will cause premature bearing failure. Check the other spacers on which the seals ride as well- usually they are grooved where the seal is, and dirt, sand and water can get it. They usually need replacing along with the seals and bearings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daijones 0 Posted February 10, 2012 Good thread, had missed this. A few other things often overlooked: - Check steering head bearings for play or notchy feel, even better pull them out and clean and grease them - Check cables for fraying and if ok lube them, while at it pull the throttle and clean and lube that also - Change fluid/bleed brakes (and clutch if applicable), brakes especially get dirty and contaminated and reduce effectiveness, plus of course check pad and disc wear - remove float bowl and clean the carb, remove fuel tank, drain, clean petock and especially internal filter - on older bikes careful check for any cracking of intake boot from carb to airbox, and card to engine, and leaks here will suck in dirt and can destroy and engine faster than much anything - check for wear of shifter, foot pegs and rear brake, makes controlling bike difficult (more so in mud which we don't see too often) and usually easy to freshen up - check all major elctrical connectors, disconnect and clean Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
