dandoolittle
Site owner, lovely and adorable
Out of interest, what wouldn't you even attempt win bike maintaince?
What Wouldn't You Do In Your Bike?
- Thread starter dandoolittle
- Start date
Irish Wolf
Wannabie Member
For me its not so much I wouldn't attempt it, its that I'm not set up to attempt most things with bikes becoming more and more sophisticated with the electronics they use you need a pretty extensive/expensive tool kit, anything that can be done with a standard garage tool kit I do myself. Time is also a factor. This winter however I am playing with the idea of completely stripping the Varadero to remove all rust from the frame, all the rusted nuts,bolts and jubilee clips also the right fairing needs fixing the previous owner wasn't to particular with the upkeep. I ride all year round and I'm fairly pedantic about my bikes.
SwissMotard
The Swiss Motard
Anything that requires fine tuning, such as carb balancing and suspension rebuild and setup.
And tyre changes, they're just not worth the effort for the price you pay to change them.
And tyre changes, they're just not worth the effort for the price you pay to change them.
BlackMamba
WINNER!
Anything that means opening the engine case. saying that i have done my own clutch and stator
dandoolittle
Site owner, lovely and adorable
Brakes is one I don't touch. I'm more than capable but don't touch them, expect for brake pads, I'll do those
HikngBiker
The Fog
I wouldn't do anything involving engine timing.
CBRHoonigan
#1 Hoonigan
Brakes and rear shocks
SwissMotard
The Swiss Motard
But you have no problem with the front shock?
BbqRider
Wannabie Member
Quite a lot actually, partly due to me being an idiot and partly due to a lack of tools and workspace.
Things I don't even consider doing:
-Engine work (anything requiring the engine to be opened)
-Carb work
-Suspension service
-Tyre changes (unless in an emergency)
-Valve checks
-Electrical work
Things I can do but will probably pass off on a mechanic during a service of the above mentioned items:
-Brakes
-Chain and sprocket
-Bearings
-Spokes
Things I don't even consider doing:
-Engine work (anything requiring the engine to be opened)
-Carb work
-Suspension service
-Tyre changes (unless in an emergency)
-Valve checks
-Electrical work
Things I can do but will probably pass off on a mechanic during a service of the above mentioned items:
-Brakes
-Chain and sprocket
-Bearings
-Spokes
CBRHoonigan
#1 Hoonigan
40Yrold
Wannabie Member
Things I have done
1. oil change
2. repair oil leak at clutch push rod seal
3. change spark plugs
4. replaced clutch and brake levers
5. pulled plug #30 at the wiring harness to clear the fl code for exhaust valve, installed a slip on exhaust
6. installed a stebel compact horn
7. relocated the rectifier
8. had to plastic JBweld the airbox because of some minor cracks
9. do my own tire replacements and balancing. this job is a bear.
10. dropped 4 links of my chain. used a link breaker, then reattached the chain with a clip style master link
11. added UV dye to motor oil, using a dog pee detector flashlight to diagnose another small leak
12. take off all fairings, repaint.
13. stick a paperclip into the dealer service plug to find out which fault code is being thrown
Things on my todo list:
1. coolant flush and replace with engine ice
2. replace brake fluid
3. change brake pads when they need replacing
4. i think i have to replace the gasket on my stator case, becasue of a small leak.
5. if I find a good price on a full exhaust, then add a power commander
6. experiment with a set of cheapo chinese fairings, the reviews are 1 star to 5 star.
7. learn how to apply a decent paint job + clear coat
8. put a r6 throttle tube to get to WOT faster.
9. get a 2nd set of wheels with a different sprocket to change my gearing.
Things I think I will take to a local mechanic/professional do.
1. replace fork oil
2. valve readjustment
3. retune after new exhaust and power commander
4. If i keep this bike as my track day bike, then a suspension and steering stabilizer upgrade
my gixxer has 27,000 miles on it.
Was mentally preparing to do an engine swap at some point.
I hear its hard to do, but I think it would be a great exercise in pretty much not being scared to do anything on a bike
One of the best things about owning a bike is being able to work on it with a buddy, google, watch youtube howto videos, read forums.
Then dive into a fix or mod. Also this is where it can get kind of expensive. Adding a specific tool for one task, or diagnostic.
I am not a mechanic.
I was always taking things apart and putting them back together.
I got my start working with R/C cars as a kid.
try out small projects here and there.
And I am kind of cheapo. If there is a cheaper more frugal way to do it, i want to know, and then tell the world on my vlogs about it
At some point, i will get a high performance machine with ABS, Slipper clutch, traction control and more tricky electronics.
I wonder if it will be harder to work on my own bike then.
BMW1000S , R1M owners care to comment?
Is there any rational reason to support a local stealership at all?
I assume there will always be enough suckers who are scared or too rich to do anything to support them.
1. oil change
2. repair oil leak at clutch push rod seal
3. change spark plugs
4. replaced clutch and brake levers
5. pulled plug #30 at the wiring harness to clear the fl code for exhaust valve, installed a slip on exhaust
6. installed a stebel compact horn
7. relocated the rectifier
8. had to plastic JBweld the airbox because of some minor cracks
9. do my own tire replacements and balancing. this job is a bear.
10. dropped 4 links of my chain. used a link breaker, then reattached the chain with a clip style master link
11. added UV dye to motor oil, using a dog pee detector flashlight to diagnose another small leak
12. take off all fairings, repaint.
13. stick a paperclip into the dealer service plug to find out which fault code is being thrown
Things on my todo list:
1. coolant flush and replace with engine ice
2. replace brake fluid
3. change brake pads when they need replacing
4. i think i have to replace the gasket on my stator case, becasue of a small leak.
5. if I find a good price on a full exhaust, then add a power commander
6. experiment with a set of cheapo chinese fairings, the reviews are 1 star to 5 star.
7. learn how to apply a decent paint job + clear coat
8. put a r6 throttle tube to get to WOT faster.
9. get a 2nd set of wheels with a different sprocket to change my gearing.
Things I think I will take to a local mechanic/professional do.
1. replace fork oil
2. valve readjustment
3. retune after new exhaust and power commander
4. If i keep this bike as my track day bike, then a suspension and steering stabilizer upgrade
my gixxer has 27,000 miles on it.
Was mentally preparing to do an engine swap at some point.
I hear its hard to do, but I think it would be a great exercise in pretty much not being scared to do anything on a bike
One of the best things about owning a bike is being able to work on it with a buddy, google, watch youtube howto videos, read forums.
Then dive into a fix or mod. Also this is where it can get kind of expensive. Adding a specific tool for one task, or diagnostic.
I am not a mechanic.
I was always taking things apart and putting them back together.
I got my start working with R/C cars as a kid.
try out small projects here and there.
And I am kind of cheapo. If there is a cheaper more frugal way to do it, i want to know, and then tell the world on my vlogs about it
At some point, i will get a high performance machine with ABS, Slipper clutch, traction control and more tricky electronics.
I wonder if it will be harder to work on my own bike then.
BMW1000S , R1M owners care to comment?
Is there any rational reason to support a local stealership at all?
I assume there will always be enough suckers who are scared or too rich to do anything to support them.
Raven
Adventurer
It is easier to say what I would do. Not being a mechanic of any kind, servicing my own bike is a daunting prospect. This past year (bought the bike new in January 2015) I put on 12,000 miles, so some service has been required. I had the service done at a dealer (oil and scheduled services) or independent mechanic (tires) mostly because of warranty. Now that the warranty is up, I am going to do my own scheduled maintenance. I will still have the tires done at a buddy's place (he has all the equipment).
1. Chain (replaced)
2. Front and Rear Sprockets (replaced)
3. Brake pads
4. Oil
5. Coolant
6. Remove wheels to get new tires.
Anything else I will get help with. Especially getting to the air filter... I saw the videos for that and no way. It is worth my frustration to find someone to do that one. Could I probably do it? Yes. Would I feel comfortable? No. I do have the full service manual and youtube is great for finding tutorials and how-tos, but I know so many people in my area who would help for minimal money or just some beer while doing the job or at the next bike nite. We have a LARGE motorcycle community in my area, many of whom specialize in vintage japanese bikes and are good at building from the ground up. I would rather take advantage of the resources and get things done right, than flub through on my own.
If it is something critical, like an electronics failure, the definitely getting a mechanic to look at it.
1. Chain (replaced)
2. Front and Rear Sprockets (replaced)
3. Brake pads
4. Oil
5. Coolant
6. Remove wheels to get new tires.
Anything else I will get help with. Especially getting to the air filter... I saw the videos for that and no way. It is worth my frustration to find someone to do that one. Could I probably do it? Yes. Would I feel comfortable? No. I do have the full service manual and youtube is great for finding tutorials and how-tos, but I know so many people in my area who would help for minimal money or just some beer while doing the job or at the next bike nite. We have a LARGE motorcycle community in my area, many of whom specialize in vintage japanese bikes and are good at building from the ground up. I would rather take advantage of the resources and get things done right, than flub through on my own.
If it is something critical, like an electronics failure, the definitely getting a mechanic to look at it.
Mr Miles
Wannabie Member
I'm up for giving anything a bash on my lady, but if I had a sports bike or something larger... yeah erm I would be quite limited on what I would do besides the basics. Probably as It would just take me forever to figure out what wires for what after the 3 hours of taking fairing off and what not. All fun and games 
Raven
Adventurer
There is one less than 5 miles from me. They did my last rear tire. I know 2 of the guys who work there, they are part of the vin group here. Gave me a good deal on the tire as well.
Motorpsych
Wannabie Member
At this point I wouldn't do the clutch and carburetors as I don't know enough about it. Though someday I want to build a custom bike so I'm trying to do most of the maintenance myself, if I have the time.
So far I've done:
1. Oil and filter
2. Changed chain and both sprockets
3. Air filter
4. Coolant
5. Bulbs
6. Brake oil
7. Spark plugs
Next I'm considering doing the front forks and stem bearings. If my schedule allows.
I'm making videos of most of the maintenance I do, and posting them in my channel.
So far I've done:
1. Oil and filter
2. Changed chain and both sprockets
3. Air filter
4. Coolant
5. Bulbs
6. Brake oil
7. Spark plugs
Next I'm considering doing the front forks and stem bearings. If my schedule allows.
I'm making videos of most of the maintenance I do, and posting them in my channel.
F4celess
Cold
I have this annoying habit of reading up on how things work, but no willpower to perform much more than typical maintenance. No splitting blocks for me.
Reasons for this must be my constant frustration in lack of tools, bad tools, broken tools, messy workspaces, stuck bolts and whatnot.
I'd be pretty fine with building a new thing, with new parts. Less drama that way.
Reasons for this must be my constant frustration in lack of tools, bad tools, broken tools, messy workspaces, stuck bolts and whatnot.
I'd be pretty fine with building a new thing, with new parts. Less drama that way.
