hey all, just bought my bike, a 2000 600 f4. It has 18,000 miles on it. It runs fine but I am not a mechanic, do i need to take it to Honda to do a quick inspection of it so they can make sure all is working properly. I need some feedback on this. thanks

 

It certainly doesnt hurt. I would take it in and get it checked out cause when it comes down to riding a motorcycle i like to feel as safe as possible. I dont know exactly how much its gonna cost ya, but its better to be safe than sorry.

 

thanks man, will do

 

You can bring it to a mechanic to check it out, but there are things you can and should learn to check yourself. Correct tire pressure, oil level, brake (and maybe clutch) fluid level, coolant level, throttle and clutch lever move smoothly, all lights and turn signals work, drive chain adjustment and lube, and battery level. Then as you get more advanced you can check spark plugs, air cleaner, brake pads, control cable adjustments, oil change, valve adjustment, carb synch, fuel filter, suspension adjustment and torque level of important bolts. Gee, if you can do all that, you'll hardly need a mechanic.

 

I agree with Slowpoke, if you perform routine checks, fixes, modifications yourself you'll know the job is done correctly & at a price you can live with. You will also see/know what is abnormal for your bike then enable the proper steps are followed to remedy the problem - including taking it to a dealer/other compedent mechanic.

Go to Amazon, Borders, etc and get a Clymer or Haynes shop manual for your bike. They cover every procedure in clear language with photos/illustrations. They also cite special tools when required to do a specific job. You either purchase said tool or take it to someone that has that special tool. Regardless you gain/retain knowledge about your bike and bikes in general, 'cuz this is probably not your last bike.

Good luck

Cheers

 

Their right, as a matter of fact when you take the bike in to get looked at, you could always ask the mechanic to run over a short tutorial of what things to look out for, and even how to fix minor things your self. Read the owners manual if you have one, that will help you out alot. good luck.