Chain maintenance
WD-40, Chain Wax or Chain Lube, Rags, Rear Stand
Lubing the chain is one of the easiest things you can do. It's also one of the most frequent things you need to do. Every 500 or so miles, just follow these steps and your chain will live a long and healthy life.
Step 1
First go for a quick ride to heat the chain up (if you are using chain
wax- if you're not, you don't need to perform this step). Then
continue by getting the bike on a rear stand.
Then slowly turn the wheel (with the bike in neutral, of course) and wipe off all the gunk that's on there.
Then, while rotating the wheel, spray WD-40 all along it to break up the old lube and grease.
hen you can get the tire going at a pretty good clip and wipe all the WD-40 and grease off.
It may take a little bit to get it completely clean, but I'm a perfectionist so it took me about 15 minutes. Don't forget all the surrounding areas!
( Read more )
Lubing the chain is one of the easiest things you can do. It's also one of the most frequent things you need to do. Every 500 or so miles, just follow these steps and your chain will live a long and healthy life.
Step 1
First go for a quick ride to heat the chain up (if you are using chain
wax- if you're not, you don't need to perform this step). Then
continue by getting the bike on a rear stand.
Then slowly turn the wheel (with the bike in neutral, of course) and wipe off all the gunk that's on there.
Then, while rotating the wheel, spray WD-40 all along it to break up the old lube and grease.
hen you can get the tire going at a pretty good clip and wipe all the WD-40 and grease off.
It may take a little bit to get it completely clean, but I'm a perfectionist so it took me about 15 minutes. Don't forget all the surrounding areas!
( Read more )
- +2
- 16 July 2009, 11:51
- 1
Changing the oil
Torque Wrench, 21mm socket (or 14mm allen head for later model bikes), 10mm Allen Head Socket, Channel Lock Pliers or a Filter Wrench, Oil, Filter, New Crush Washers.
Step 1
The first step is to get all the necessary equipment and tools. The 21mm and 10mm allen
need to be sockets rather than wrenches because you will need to torque them to the correct setting. A torque wrench is required for all kinds of maintenance, so now is the time to bite the bullet and get one (reasonably priced ones are available at Sears and the like). You will also need about 4 liters of your preferred oil (I use 15w50 semi-synthetic Motul, but if your engine has less than 2,000 miles I would not recommend synthetic because the motor is still in the break-in stage). You also can't forget the oil filter and a crush washer for the oil drain plug and a crush washer for the filter screen bolt. The washers are cheap at 50 cents each, the filter is about $10, and the oil runs me $20.
( Read more )
Step 1
The first step is to get all the necessary equipment and tools. The 21mm and 10mm allen
need to be sockets rather than wrenches because you will need to torque them to the correct setting. A torque wrench is required for all kinds of maintenance, so now is the time to bite the bullet and get one (reasonably priced ones are available at Sears and the like). You will also need about 4 liters of your preferred oil (I use 15w50 semi-synthetic Motul, but if your engine has less than 2,000 miles I would not recommend synthetic because the motor is still in the break-in stage). You also can't forget the oil filter and a crush washer for the oil drain plug and a crush washer for the filter screen bolt. The washers are cheap at 50 cents each, the filter is about $10, and the oil runs me $20.
( Read more )
- +2
- 9 July 2009, 23:23
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This short guide
If you want to buy a motorcycle, but have no experience in this field, you may feel confused and even somewhat lost since the styling, models and technical characteristics are so wide that can muddle even experienced riders. Beginners will surely be under strong emotional pull. This short guide is an attempt to through the light on a problem of first motorcycle choice.
When you plan to buy your first bike, I'd recommend you to pay your attention to famous manufacturers as in this case you reduce the risk of making a wrong choice. Also note you will need to maintain your bike in good working condition. It's good to learn how to perform basic maintenance like oil level adjusting or changing filters, but beginners usually know nothing about engine and valves, so you cannot avoid service center and a happy owner of brand bike can always visit official service center and solve the problem of bike maintenance in a simple but effective way.
( Read more )
When you plan to buy your first bike, I'd recommend you to pay your attention to famous manufacturers as in this case you reduce the risk of making a wrong choice. Also note you will need to maintain your bike in good working condition. It's good to learn how to perform basic maintenance like oil level adjusting or changing filters, but beginners usually know nothing about engine and valves, so you cannot avoid service center and a happy owner of brand bike can always visit official service center and solve the problem of bike maintenance in a simple but effective way.
( Read more )
- +3
- 13 May 2009, 13:46
- Post comment