New rider requires maintenance tips.
 

Hi All,

Have just got my first bike after passing my test back in 2008 (I couldn't afford one at the time due to redundancy)

Its a 2001 naked SV and I abslutely love it. But I know very little about bike maintenance therefore:-

1. What sorts of things do I need to do to maintain the bike and how often?

2. How often should I lube the chain if I am only using the bike at weekends?

3. Any other tips and advice?

Thanks in advance.

Matt

Re: New rider requires some tips
 

Matt, I also passed in 2008.

Obvious things to check regulary, oil level, tyre pressures, lights and electrics etc

Less obvious, look out for any leaks, especially around brake calipers etc.

I oil my chain about every 2-300 miles depending on use, but I'll oil it before any big rides regardless.

I'm sure I've forgot loads of stuff so I'm sure others will post things I've forgot .

Re: New rider requires some tips
 

Regular stuff:

Check the oil level
Check the water level
Check the tyre pressures
Check the chain tension
Lube the chain
Fill the petrol tank
Have fun
Wash bike (optional)
Connect optimate (or ride bike more)

Less regular stuff:

Check all the lights are working
Check the tyres for wear and/or damage
Clean the chain and check for wear
Check the brake pads and disks for wear
Check the brake fluid level
Check steering bearing

As necessary:

Change the oil and filter
Replace worn out brake pads
Flush hydraulic system with new brake fluid
Drain coolant and replace with fresh antifreeze
Replace the chain and sprockets
Check spark plugs
Strip brake calipers and replace seals if sticking
Replace battery (if you forgot the optimate)
Replace the reg-rec (when your new battery goes flat too)

Pimp my ride:

Replace shocks with something more expensive and hopefully better
Get wheels powder coated
Polish downpipes
Respay bike in purple with mica flakes
Replace indicators with LEDs
Fit tail tidy


I think that's most of the common stuff, but I'm sure you'll get some entertaining suggestions too.

Keith.

Re: New rider requires some tips
 

Oil, every couple of hundred, you'll eventually work out how much it burns.
Chain oil about every 2-300 or invest in a scotoiler or similar
How many miles is on the clocks as it maybe due a major service?

Also maybe worth while investing in a haynes manual (ebay sometimes have 2nd hand ones for peanuts), and some hand tools (£50 in machine mart or toolstation would get you going)

Also this will show you where everything is needs what (on mileage)
Attachment 8451

Re: New rider requires some tips
 

The classic pre-ride check is is "POWER"

Petrol
Oil
Water
Electrical
Rubber

I've heard "POWDER used before, with the "D" meaning Damage (I think!)

Re: New rider requires some tips
 

Correct!