Newb ?'s: Preparing for Maintenance
#1
10-13-2009, 03:12 PM
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
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Newb ?'s: Preparing for Maintenance
WARNING
The following contains some "newbish" questions regarding motorcycle maintenance. If these type of questions offend, arouse, anger, frustrate, inflame your hemorrhoids or generally **** you off please leave now.
As the winter season approaches there are some maintenance items that need to be addressed on my 92 F2. And as I'm wanting to do a complete tune-up on my bike but having just acquired my first bike and that I don't have any real experience with motorcycle mechanics, I thought I'd ask for advice. I'm sure other newb's will be able to benefit from this too.The following contains some "newbish" questions regarding motorcycle maintenance. If these type of questions offend, arouse, anger, frustrate, inflame your hemorrhoids or generally **** you off please leave now.
Now this can be pretty daunting to an experienced wrench turner let alone someone with little to no mechanical skill/training. Fortunately, I do have extensive DSM repair/performance building knowledge. I have also earned a degree in Automotive Service Technology, so this should be within the scope of my skill set. And rather than pay for labor, I decided to undertake the servicing myself. (crosses fingers)
Your advice, suggestions, recommendations, fondue recipes are appreciated and encouraged. Pictures or Links are HIGHLY encouraged.
First off, I know this covers a broad range of items and has the opportunity to get a bit muddled, so I am keeping this to maintenance items only rather than aggressive performance upgrades.
Tools
I believe I will need to purchase some motorcycle specific tools. Stands, Chain Tools, etc.. What is everyone using and is it working for you?
Brakes The craptastically cheap set of brakes on the rear of my bike give off so much dust that I have to clean my wheels after every ride. White wheels don't help..
but it just seems excessive, so I will be installing better pads. What are some of the better brakes that you recommend? How often should I be changing these?
Plugs but it just seems excessive, so I will be installing better pads. What are some of the better brakes that you recommend? How often should I be changing these? Which ones are best? Gap? Life expectancy? Inquiring minds want to know. 
Tires aka Rubber Bands Now my bike's rubber still has alot of life to them but I am as clueless as a blind man picking out his favorite porno when it comes to these. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot of the time. 
Are there better tires for this type of environment? Also our state allows studded tires for cars during the winter months, causing awful ruts in our roads.. Suggestions for this type of road condition?
Next, Chains/Sprockets Are there better tires for this type of environment? Also our state allows studded tires for cars during the winter months, causing awful ruts in our roads.. Suggestions for this type of road condition? Seriously wtf..? I called my local shop and the dude on the end of the line rattled off like at least 5-10 different chains and more sprockets than I can recall. I expected maybe 3 but the more he blathered on I just became lost and started to day dream about Megan Fox naked with a box of Klondike Bars..
mmm.. zziiiiiip.. Megan...
*drooool* ..but I digress. What is a good solid combo for everyday street riding. Nothing to aggressive or race oriented is what I looking for but all recommendations are cool.
Oil / Filtersmmm.. zziiiiiip.. Megan...
*drooool* ..but I digress. What is a good solid combo for everyday street riding. Nothing to aggressive or race oriented is what I looking for but all recommendations are cool. Lube. Lube. Lube.. sorry had to get it out of my system. What works for a colder climate like Oregon? 
Cleaners / Wax / Foo Foo Stuff What is good for cleaning for a water spotted windshield? Anything I should use on the fairings as far as waxes and polish? I read dressing the seat is mandatory during the winter months because of the air becoming more arid. What dressing does everyone use?
Lighting I noticed my headlight was a bit dim. Are there better than stock replacements?
Let's hear 'em..
~Kaneda
~Kaneda
Last edited by Kaneda; 10-13-2009 at 03:16 PM.
#2
10-13-2009, 04:09 PM
Senior Member
TETSUOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
Cleaners / Wax / Foo Foo Stuff
Nope. Bought a motocycle jack from Craftsman, that's about it. I've been able to do everything else with my existing set of automotive tools. Chain kits are awkward and a pain in the ***, so much so that you can just do the same job with whatever you have lying around already. Beyond that, maybe a mid-sized spark plug socket.
The craptastically cheap set of brakes on the rear of my bike give off so much dust that I have to clean my wheels after every ride. White wheels don't help.. but it just seems excessive, so I will be installing better pads. What are some of the better brakes that you recommend? How often should I be changing these?
but it just seems excessive, so I will be installing better pads. What are some of the better brakes that you recommend? How often should I be changing these? Honda OEM are arguably the best out there. Also, Galfer. Honda reccomends HH. I can't imagine why anyone would even use craptastic pads when the high-end ones are still cheap as hell.
NGK Iridium IX. Do not under any circumstances use anything else. Gap and replace per the owner's manual.
Pirelli Diablos, or Metzelers. Stay away form Dunlop at all costs.
Longevity: Honda OEM.
Performance: Vortex or Supersprox sprockets, DID, EK or RK chains.
Make sure you replace the chain and sprockets at the same time, and that they're all the same pitch. Lower pitch = better performance, but severely decreased lifespan
Performance: Vortex or Supersprox sprockets, DID, EK or RK chains.
Make sure you replace the chain and sprockets at the same time, and that they're all the same pitch. Lower pitch = better performance, but severely decreased lifespan
Honda 4-stroke synthetic oil, Fram or K&N filter
Cleaners / Wax / Foo Foo Stuff
What is good for cleaning for a water spotted windshield? Anything I should use on the fairings as far as waxes and polish? I read dressing the seat is mandatory during the winter months because of the air becoming more arid. What dressing does everyone use?
Whatever you like on the car, it's the same stuff. You should be bringing the seat and tires indoors for the winter, anyway, so don't worry about dressing them. DO NOT EVER, EVER, EVER PUT DRESSING ON YOUR TIRES (EVER).
Xenon. Also, you can retrofit a slim-ballast HID kit.
Last edited by johnnyx; 10-13-2009 at 04:14 PM.
#4
10-17-2009, 02:40 PM
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Location: Houston
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Tools
I have not needed extra tools than the ones I had except a chain breaker. (so far) I'm a newb as well getting more educated on maintenance service.
Brakes
EBC are on all my bikes (motards, Ninja). Again this is just another voice saying what I have and for you to consider.
Tires aka Rubber Bands
I have bridgestones on my motard that sees regular commuting and light backroads. I've had excellent experience w Pirellis on my Ninja.
Next, Chains/Sprockets
Steel sprockets last the longest as opposed to aluminum. I have sunstar on most of mine.
D.I.D. for the chain. I use Bel Ray or Chain wax for lube, which ever I prefer at the moment.
Oil / Filters
This is really matter of opinion. I use k&n for filter. Motul has been good to my street bikes.
Cleaners / Wax / Foo Foo Stuff
I don't use anything special here. I clean my helmet w Plexus for the bugs and just water for the shield. Nothing too special.
Lighting
HIDs
I have not needed extra tools than the ones I had except a chain breaker. (so far) I'm a newb as well getting more educated on maintenance service.
Brakes
EBC are on all my bikes (motards, Ninja). Again this is just another voice saying what I have and for you to consider.
Tires aka Rubber Bands
I have bridgestones on my motard that sees regular commuting and light backroads. I've had excellent experience w Pirellis on my Ninja.
Next, Chains/Sprockets
Steel sprockets last the longest as opposed to aluminum. I have sunstar on most of mine.
D.I.D. for the chain. I use Bel Ray or Chain wax for lube, which ever I prefer at the moment.
Oil / Filters
This is really matter of opinion. I use k&n for filter. Motul has been good to my street bikes.
Cleaners / Wax / Foo Foo Stuff
I don't use anything special here. I clean my helmet w Plexus for the bugs and just water for the shield. Nothing too special.
Lighting
HIDs
#5
10-17-2009, 03:01 PM
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
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