Hey everyone. New to the forum, and new to motorcycles as well. I'm buying a 96 F3 from a friend of mine with 5K miles on it in about a month(sooo pumped). It's like a new, old bike. He bought it new, rode it for a few years, then got married. (Whoever says he shouldn't have given it up, hasn't seen his wife ). I race road bicycles, but that's the extent of my two-wheeled experience. I'm signed up to take the MSF basic rider course in a couple of weeks, and I've ordered a Nolan helmet from a local bike shop. I'm reading every piece of literature I can get my hands on, And I'm researching/pricing the rest of the gear I'd like to get; including Dianese leather jacket, A* gloves, and Sidi boots. So, heres my question...

The bike's been sitting for a few years, literally collecting dust. Other than fresh tires, what will I need to do? I have basic mechanic skills, I do most of my own car labor, but I've never even seen a carburetor (I actually had to look up the spelling of that). Also, is it difficult to take the wheels off? I found a local shop that sells/installs tires, but only if the wheels are off the bike. Thanks everyone in advance, I look forward to being an active member here and learning A LOT.

 

Well, it sounds like you've found a gem. But, you'll have your work cut out for you. Good mechanical skills will certainly help. We'll do our best to help you on the knowledge side. Get a manual for it. You're naturally going to want to replace all the fluids in the bike. Hopefully the tank is in good shape. Have you had a chance to look inside of it ? Don't attempt to start it, if you haven't already done so. Replace all fluids first including the fuel. The carburetors are going to need to be removed and cleaned thoroughly. Nothing else is really going to prevent you from riding the bike.

Take advantage of the MSF class and ride as much as possible. Do you have any friends that ride ? They can be a great resource. Good luck and post pictures when you can.

 

Wheels are pretty easy to pull. On the front especially.

Definitely get the manual, That whole picture worth a thousand words...ooo, and words, too!

Good call on the SIDI's, awesome boots.

Don't forget to give the calipers a look through, be sure the grease hasn't dried up in the boots. Check that the hanger pins still float on the mounts.

Oh, and everybody forgets to mention...get a cable lube clamp and hose the throttle and clutch cables real good. Check them for frays while you're at it.

Another thing to do, center-stand the bike and climb on. Then get your buddy to help you adjust the shift and brake to feel right. Always amazes me how much easier it is to be smooth when everything is just right.

Cruise the new member forum for a lot of good riding tips.

Don't be afraid to ask BEFORE you start a project. The "collective" has pulled every bone-head mistake there is, out there and we're all pretty quick to warn ya off...if ya get my drift. ;-)

Glad to see you already have a plan mapped out, good luck and show us some pics of your little beasty.

Ern

 

He's gonna take it to a shop to get it running before he sells it to me, but I'll be sure to go over everything you mentioned. I'll hit ebay right away for the owners manual, and the Haynes (unless anyone can suggest a better repair manual). For fluids, is it only brake fluid, clutch (more brake fluid), transmission fluid, and coolant? I've gotta learn how to clean a carburetor, any suggestions on where to find info? I'm thinking youtube.

The MSF class is 3 days (15 hrs total I think), do you guys think that is enough to prepare me for commuting to/from work (7 miles one way, mostly 55mph speed limit)? Any other classes I should look into? Theres a motorcycle cop that lives in my apartment complex that I'm friendly with, I plan on leaning on him for most of my motorcycle "mentoring".

And I'm glad to hear that wheels are easy to pull off; and that I'm making a good choice with some of the gear. Mad Hatter, I don't know what you mean by

"be sure the grease hasn't dried up in the boots. Check that the hanger pins still float on the mounts.

Oh, and everybody forgets to mention...get a cable lube clamp and hose the throttle and clutch cables real good. "

Heres some pics as requested

 

The calipers float side to side on 2 pin/bolts. They have an accordian rubber boot around them that should be packed with grease.

After 10-12 years the greese tends to dry up and the calipers don't glide like they should. That can lead to dragging brakes and excessive heat and wear.

A cable lube clamp is a device that you stick one end of the cable housing into one end. The other end has a place to insert the pipette of a spray can. First use WD-40. then your cable lube of choice till you see it run out of the free end. Depending on your milage, usually a couple of times through the season is good.
Ern

 

Thanks for the walkthrough! Will do.