Hey guys,

Just started riding my bike couple days ago ( '03 RR w/ roughly 9k). Just wondering what all the basic things are that I should check out are and how Ishould be able to tell ifreplacement is needed (brakes, fluids etc...).I dont mind spending moneyon the bike its just that I don't want to get ripped off at the dealer.Also if yougive advice about certain partsthat might need replacement(or fluids or whatever) can youpleeeasse please tell me what brand to buy.Errr what kind of oil should I use (type/brand) or should I ask the dude I got the bike from and keepdoing what he was doing. How to links would be greatly appreciated (might be asking 4 too muchbut worth a shot) btw love this website. thanks in advance!

PS
I did read the manual but it standardizes everything...probably based on averages

 

yo mclovin welcome.

your "supposed" to check your whole bike over everytime you ride. i know i dont check every component, which is stupid. so checkkkk brake pads front and rear, color of your brake fluid (lighter=better), any cables that might be loose or sticking, tire pressure, throttle should snap shut with no pressure (obviously)

better yet.. here.
"
Tires and wheels
Since these are what separate you and the road, they're probably the most important things to look over. A problem here will affect handling, sometimes severely. Are your rims free of dings? Are your spokes tight and straight? Check pressures in both tires. Since most manufacturers specify pressures for cold tires, this is the only accurate way to check them, as they heat up quickly on the road, raising the pressure. Consult your owner's manual or call your tire manufacturer's hotline for the proper pressures for your particular bike. If you own multiple bikes, it may be difficult to remember all those different tire specs. And since this is one of those critical things you should check often, you may want to make a checklist with each tire's recommended pressure, then hang it on your garage wall, or anywhere that's handy. While you're down there checking the tires, make sure you've got plenty of tread. You should have more than 1/16 of an inch, about the distance between Lincoln's head and the top of a penny. Remove foreign objects that may have lodged in the treads, and make sure there aren't any cuts in the tire. A scuff is nothing to be worried about, but if it's a deep scratch, you might want to have it checked. Controls and cables
A snapped throttle or clutch cable can leave you on the side of the road, so check them, Operate anything connected to a cable and make sure that levers and cables feel smooth and don't bind. Apply the front brake and push the bike forward. The brake should feel firm, and the front wheel should not move. Check the rear brake in the same fashion. Lights
Seeing and being seen are the two best ways to avoid unwanted incidents on the road, so making sure your lights work is imperative to your safety. Start by turning on your ignition. Are the headlight's high beam and low beam working? Does the taillight come on? Does the brake light come on when you depress the brake pedal and lever? Check left and right turn signals, front and rear. Remember that the cause of a malfunction here could be a relay or bulb... Lastly, don't forget to check your horn. [font="verdana, arial, helvetica"]Oil and fuel[color="#ff9900"]
Running out of gas is a drag, but since many motorcycles don't have gas gauges, it's a very real possibility. Check the gas level in the tank, and be sure your fuel petcock isn't on "reserve," which could

 

Dfour,

Thanks man thats good stuff for me at the moment. I was however also wondering down the road (most likely this summer or maybe next) about things that need to be replaced "eventually" and how I can tell when its time and what kind to buy. The manual lists some thingsbut shows a chartthat is mileage related only ( not really depending on riding style etc..)Kepp in mind my knowledge is very basic . shouldave taken that autos course in high school to at least know basic stuffs...doh!!!!
Thanks for the help

 

ahh yes... well aside from the oil changes and replacing the chain and sprockets, i dont know really anything about the RR's maintinence. if i was to guess, i would say the clutch, shift forks (or the like), or fork seals would be things to look forward to replacing at some point. but with 9K i dont know.

There are a lot of people that know a LOT about the RR's on here. unfortunately its not me