31-10-12, 06:58 PM
Most local bikers I know, as well as a few mechanics would do it differently. Here's what advice I was given. This came from a mate mechanic that doesn't charge me for labour, lets me borrow tools, mess workshop etc - I trust the guy means well. Here goes:
replace fuel filter
Don't touch until you have problems.
replace air filter
replace spark plugs
This is no problem, 30 minute work if I didn't have the bloody KN (but KN needs less often maintenance, than the OE need change, so it comes out in the almost the same amount of time/hassle).
check valve clearence
I was told NOT to touch this until I hear it rattle. Waste of time and money?!?
lubricate swingarm with lithium soap based grease
lubricate steering bearings with lithium soap based grease
lubricate rear suspension relay and connecting arm pivot points with lithium soap based grease
OK, there is A LOT less rain in Serbia than in England, most people here ride in sunny days only (I'm one of those), but I was told NOT to touch any of these. Hardly anyone I know has done such things. I was told once I open it, it would be wise to change all the barings etc, but not to touch it until it starts not working properly.
check carbs for balance
My bike is say 90% well tuned, but starting to run a bit more rough, getting some buzz between 5500 rpm to 6000. But I was also told not to bother with this until it gets really nasty. "Better spend money with your girl, than pay me to sort it out".
replace engine oil and filter
Yes, every 6000 kilometres.
replace coolant
The red coolant lasts for some 100,000 kilometres, or five years minimum. So it says on the lid. I put that in (flushed the system first well) and guess I'm good now for some time.
lubricate all moving parts cables
I do this every autumn (don't ride Fazer in the cold and wet days).
And it also says to replace the internal components of the master cylinder and calipers and replace brake fluid every 2 years!!
And to replace the brake hoses every 4 years!!
This sounds like a reasonable precaution. However, I was also advised against doing this. NOBODY does it round these parts, on any bike. People wait until they get problems (spongy feel that can't be sorted), or worse. Except for brake fluid change (although some old biker I know don't do it almost ever).
Obviously not a very preemptive maintanance philosophy round here. I'm still between minds, how much of those stuff I can get away without changing. I mean, it is a 10 year old bike. I intend to keep it, but those things cost time and money.
replace fuel filter
Don't touch until you have problems.
replace air filter
replace spark plugs
This is no problem, 30 minute work if I didn't have the bloody KN (but KN needs less often maintenance, than the OE need change, so it comes out in the almost the same amount of time/hassle).
check valve clearence
I was told NOT to touch this until I hear it rattle. Waste of time and money?!?
lubricate swingarm with lithium soap based grease
lubricate steering bearings with lithium soap based grease
lubricate rear suspension relay and connecting arm pivot points with lithium soap based grease
OK, there is A LOT less rain in Serbia than in England, most people here ride in sunny days only (I'm one of those), but I was told NOT to touch any of these. Hardly anyone I know has done such things. I was told once I open it, it would be wise to change all the barings etc, but not to touch it until it starts not working properly.
check carbs for balance
My bike is say 90% well tuned, but starting to run a bit more rough, getting some buzz between 5500 rpm to 6000. But I was also told not to bother with this until it gets really nasty. "Better spend money with your girl, than pay me to sort it out".
replace engine oil and filter
Yes, every 6000 kilometres.
replace coolant
The red coolant lasts for some 100,000 kilometres, or five years minimum. So it says on the lid. I put that in (flushed the system first well) and guess I'm good now for some time.
lubricate all moving parts cables
I do this every autumn (don't ride Fazer in the cold and wet days).
And it also says to replace the internal components of the master cylinder and calipers and replace brake fluid every 2 years!!
And to replace the brake hoses every 4 years!!
This sounds like a reasonable precaution. However, I was also advised against doing this. NOBODY does it round these parts, on any bike. People wait until they get problems (spongy feel that can't be sorted), or worse. Except for brake fluid change (although some old biker I know don't do it almost ever).
Obviously not a very preemptive maintanance philosophy round here. I'm still between minds, how much of those stuff I can get away without changing. I mean, it is a 10 year old bike. I intend to keep it, but those things cost time and money.
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.