Hello all...

I already introduced myself in the newb forum. Bought a pretty clean 93 F2 with 21 k miles.. has a Yoshi slip on, and its been slid once or twice but nothing major... just scrapped plastics. Everything else looks good to my eye but here is where my question lies...

The bike sounds and feels great but as this is my first bike ever, I know next to nothing about maintaining them. I've read all the stickies about the CCT and I plan on looking into that soon.

So my question is... What should I have done to the bike first in terms of keeping my baby running smooth? I am going to be taking it to a motorcycle shop to have all of this done but I am usnure as to what is more important than others....

Like should I have the carbs checked, cleaned and synced first..? or should he check the transmission and clutch..?

I have no idea if my bike has been jetted or not so thats kind of frustrating.

I guess if you had to list the most important things related to maintaining a bike.. what would they be and in what order..?

Are there things for this bike that I should look out for in particular...?

I'm pretty sure I can change my oil and oil filter myself.. is there a step-by-step guide that I can look at for that..?

Thanks for all the help!

Kaz

 

it would just like a new-used car: change the oil and filter. change the spark plugs. check/clean the carbs. check/clean the chain. check tire pressure and tread. basic maintenance really.

 

Changing the oil and filter is the single most important maintenance you can do to your bike.
Its not difficult to do either and should be done once a year, minimum.

Here's a quick step-by-step guide:
1. Warm up the engine (to make the oil more fluid)
2. Place the bike on its centerstand
3. Position a drain pan or similar below the engine
4. Unscrew the oil filler cap (to vent the engine)
5. Remove the drain plug (bottommost screw of the engine)(caution, oil is hot!)(removing the fairings makes for easier access, but it can be done with them in place.)
6. Wait for the oil to drain
7. Replace the washer on the drain plug (recommended, but optional)
8. Move the drain pan to below the oil filter
9. Unscrew the oil filter and discard it (An oil wrench is useful if tight. Cheap to purchase, good investment. Else use a rag to get grip by hand.)
10. Clean of oil from threads and engine
11. Reasemble the drain plug (careful, not to tighten to hard)
12. Apply some oil to the gasket of the new oil filter
13. Screw on the filter (As hard as you can by hand only is enough. Use a rag to get grip. If using a tool; be careful not to over-tighten.)
14. Refill oil to the engine (about 3 litres to start with)
15. Screw in the oil filler cap
16. Start the engine. Let run for a couple of minutes.
17. Check the oil level. Top up with oil until upper mark of dip stick.
18. Discard of used oil
19. Let engine run for a few minues. Check for oil leaks around the filter, cap and drain plug.

Hey prest! Done!

Oh and when checking the oil level:
1. Check with the bike on its centerstand
2. Make sure the bike is on a level surface.
3. Unscrew the dipstick and wipe it clean.
4. Insert the dipstick, but do NOT screw it in.
5. Remove the dipstick. Oil should be between the two marks.

 

awesome... just what I need...

now.. if I was to but only the best oil, filter and spark plugs in my bike... what brands should I use..?

I know that can be a personal choice and many options will be given.. but in general what are good buys..?

I already have repsol chain lube and I find that works great.

Viking- thanks for that! Will do this ASAP.. you guys rock!

thanks for all the help!

Kaz

 

Great write up. One suggestion though, just like with a car, I would change the oil after 3,000 miles, or after 3 months, whichever comes first. Should be a 10 minute job, majority of which will be spent waiting for the oil to drain .