typical maintenance on bikes

[breu07]

hi, im just getting into motorcycles and was wondering what most typical maintenance is that needs to be done and what span of time or mileage these things should be done at?

Thanks

[jonnythan]

hi, im just getting into motorcycles and was wondering what most typical maintenance is that needs to be done and what span of time or mileage these things should be done at?

Thanks

Depends entirely on the bike.

Normal stuff that needs regular attention includes:

Oil
Oil filter
Coolant
Tires
Brake pads
Chain
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires
Air filter

You may occasionally need to adjust carburetors and valves.

[mydlyfkryzis]

Valves adjustments can be specified anywhere from 3000 mile intervals to never ever.

My NH 750 has hydraulic self adjusters and never needs adjustment.

Some engines require shims to adjust

Some engines have screw and lock nut adjusters.

Some engines (my CB350, owned before my CB360) had an eccentric bolt adjuster.

Do research on the cycle you are considering to see how much maintenance is needed.

[slimcolo]

Coolant???I think I put that in my car.

What about points,condenser, and timing. Fluids, tranny,primary,rear end,drive shaft (also grease splines) fork oil, brake fluid. Grease all pivots/zerks. Re-tighten heads.ETC

Go to the Library and check out manual for bike in question, read Routine Maintenance. These time intervals vary from one bike to another. Can also vary from one brand manual to another.

[Sev]

most of that stuff only applies to older bikes. Or Harleys Slim.

[mydlyfkryzis]

most of that stuff only applies to older bikes. Or Harleys Slim.

Hey, Harleys do not need "periodic" maintenance. No No No!

They need constant maintenance......

[jonnythan]

most of that stuff only applies to older bikes. Or Harleys Slim.

Hey, Harleys do not need "periodic" maintenance. No No No!

They need constant maintenance......

Oh jesus

[slimcolo]

Sev said

most of that stuff only applies to older bikes. Or Harleys Slim.

Only the points and condenser apply to older bikes, everything else is from modern bikes(non Harley) But point I was trying to make is that while most people change oil, they often ignore other fluids. (I'm guilty of this and I know better) Most bikes need these changed at least once a year regardless of mileage. Be especially aware in humid climates. I have seen bikes with 100K that still have yet to have the fork oil changed. (in this case metalic sludge, entire front end needed rebuilt)

Another thing to check is wheel bearings. Almost all newer bikes have sealed bearings that do not need repacking, but a few have old style packable ones. (like front bearings on a rear wheel drive car)

Even if your bike has cables that do not require lube (teflon coated), after market replacements may.

[Sev]

True, but all the japanese bikes use a single sealed crankcase meaning the transmission, and clutch sit in the same oil as the crank. And all the pivots have bearings, so they don't usually need to be regreased if they are not dissasembled. You grease them now to prevent corrosion, so it's only taken regreased if taken apart.