Hello folks,

New to biking and picked up a 04 F4i, took the 2day safety course and got my license endorsement.

Anyways, I have parts on order to get the maintenance out of the way (the previouse owned claimed that he performed all maintenance, but I don't buy it as he had no records) and have some newbie questions. I've been searching for the last couple of weeks and there is just way too much results for me to filiter (which is a good thing!)

So, here is what I'm planning to do.

-new spark plugs (a search on one of the vendor sites returned NGK V-power plugs for $2.50 each. This isn't correct, right? What would be the correct part number be?)
-new K&N filter
-oil change
-coolant flush
-new brake pads (the brake fluid looks a bit low, but im thinking that may be due to worn pads. The fluid looks clean though)
-detailed cleaning with fairings off

Couple of newbie questions;

-when I put the bike up on the rear swing-arm stand, the low oil light came on. Is this normal? Can I still run the bike for a few minuites to get the oil warmed up for the oil change?
-how do I get the bike "level"? up on the stand, off the rear stand but on the side stand, do I need to have someone hold up the bike with both tires on the ground?

I'm surre I'll run into more questions, so any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

 

I've never had the low oil light come on when on the rear stand?
If it doesnt come on when the bike is on the stand then just run it like that then put it up on the stand.
As for getting the right level, I usually do it by myself to check the oil but the first coule of times it is very akward, Just remember to leave the stand down if you do do it by yourself or just get your buddy to hold it straight.

 

The low oil light should never come on, i change my oil when the bike is on the rear stand which makes it level and i always end up with the correct oil level

 

^so both wheels don't need to be on the ground and the bike standing straight up (off the side stand) for it to be level?

Hmmm... I don't know hardly anything about servicin bikes (I've been a car guy till now) but that doesn't seem to make sense.... I hope this is the case as having it up on rear stand makes the make much more stable and easier to service...

Any more thoughts from others? I'm planning to start working on the bike tomorrow and this question has me stumped...

Thanks folks!

 

the 3 inches the rear tire is off the ground will not really matter for the oil level and having the rear stand helps a lot in servicing

 

Houston,
The spark plugs are IMR9A-9H NGK laser iridium. They are around 14 bucks a piece. I just ordered all the same things you were looking for and found them to be decently priced through MOTOSPORT outlet with free shipping 3 day shipping.

 

If you're trying to check the oil level, just do it with the bike near a wall, so it won't slip away from you.

 

$2.50 plugs?! Which vendor???


Like everyone else said, the oil light shouldn't come on with the rear stand. The wall is a good method if you need it, but you should still be able to see the oil level with it on the stand. The slight angle shouldn't make a significant difference.

 

Thanks folks!

Im guessing the previouse owner didn't have enough oil in it ^so when I put it up on the stand, it may have affected it enough to cause the light to go on...

I'll add some more oil and have it run on the stand to warm up the oil prior to the oil change.

 

Ok, first off the spark plugs are wrong. You need iridiums, not v-powers. A search on kneedraggers.com, motosport.com etc all have stock microfishe for you to get part numbers.
I suggest skipping the k&n unless you plan on putting ALOT of miles on the bike and would have to replace the filter otherwise often. I don't like the k&n design since it doesn't have the airflow managment the stocker does for low speed airflow.
Finally, check the oil level with the bike on both tires but standing strait up. Let it warm up a bit then shut the bike off for a couple minutes before checking the level.