Jobs

Hi All

I've a 2005 SVs that's done just over 6k miles now. I've changed the oil, oil filter and air filter but have a list of jobs that I want to do over the next few weeks and I'd appreciate your advice as to whether you'd bother as a chap (biker for 25 years) at work says if it ain't broke, don't touch it!

I'm planning to do:
1. Replace the engine coolant.
2. Replace the spark plugs (don't bother was the advice if all running ok and with my milage)
3. Replace the brake lines with HEL SS ones and obviously renew fluid front and rear (again advised don't touch if all looking ok).
4. Check F and R brakes and pistons (not sure how easy checking if the pistons have seized is).
5. Change tyres as still on the ones that came with the bike (not a job for me obviously).

I'm a fairweather weekend biker and am ok with a spanner but not great!

Any advice much apopreciated as I've come from sports cars and to be honest they were pampered and all work was done at the dealer.

[TamSV]

A bit of preventative maintenance is almost always cheaper and safer than waiting until something breaks.

If it was me;

1. I change it at least every 2 years. If this is a new bike and you don't know how old the coolant is, I'd do it now.
2. Probably OK but inspect and decide. I probably change them alot more frequently than necessary but it hardly breaks the bank.
3. SS lines are a worthwhile mod. If the fluid's very old it'll be dark brown but, again, if you don't know how old it is I'd change it. Then you know for sure and you've reset the clock for when it needs done again.
4. Remove the caliper, take out the pads and pump the pistons out a little. Clean them up with water and whatever bike/car cleaner you've got. They should push back into the caliper with thumb pressure - I usually smear a little red rubber grease round them first. If they're hard to shift/rusty/caked with crud then I would strip and rebuild the calipers - you can often save the seals. It's up to you to decide if you're happy to do this work yourself or not.
5. I'd personally prefer to change 7 year old tyres. In any event, many people say the stock fitment weren't that great when new. I've certainly ridden on older tyres when funds dicated but if you're used to playing with quick cars you can probably stretch to new rubber.

Apart from the tyres and brake lines, the rest costs nothing in the grand scheme of things. It's a no brainer.

[TheRamJam]

+ 1 do Everything Tam has said

Thanks chaps