Basic servicing and repairs

[Fatt Max]

Ok my lovelies, after some advice.

I am not the most mechanically minded of people but reckon I should be able to do basic service and maintenance tasks on the bike. Basic oil and filter changes, brake fluid, that kind of thing.

So, can you please advise me on:

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have
2 - A bike Jack..??..where can I get my hands on one of those
3 - The simple tasks a relative mechanical newbie should be ok to do.

I am not going to tackle anything too advanced but a basic set of knowledge would be useful.

I ride a Hyosung Aquilla GV250. brilliant bike, commutes well and has no problem on the open road.

All and any advise gratefully received

Cheers dudes

FM

[MSTRS]

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have
2 - A bike Jack..??..where can I get my hands on one of those
3 - The simple tasks a relative mechanical newbie should be ok to do.



1. A good selection of ring- and open-end spanners in metric size. Same in sockets/ratchet. Pliers. Plug spanner. Flat and philips screwdrivers. Allen key set in metric.
2. Swing arm stand? Front stands can be 'awkward', but very useful.
3. Chain adjust and lube. Changing blown bulbs. Tyre pressures. Oil and filter changes. Removing wheels for tyre changes. There'll be more, like replacing brake pads, but for the non-mechanical minded best with help.

You forgot 4 - a good supply of pies

[MadDuck]

1 - A basic toolkit that I should have

Cable ties and duct tape....:yes:

[MSTRS]

:facepalm: How could I have forgotten those?

A can of WD40 or similar is a great idea too.

[Fatt Max]

Fanx guys, thats all cool. Had a couple of really helpful PM's as well so once again I am in the debt of the great people at KB.

[pc220]

Dont forget , a great big fucken HAMMER. For when things just dont go to plan.:shit:

[ynot slow]

Copious quantities of beer,always need beer when working on bike,makes swinging the big hammer easier.

[HenryDorsetCase]

One of the more useful and quite under rated tools I have is an impact screwdriver. Theyre really cheap, and good for getting steel screws out of aluminium cases after they've been in there a while. I am a big fan of copper grease when putting them in again.

Plus, when using an impact driver you get to use a hammer as well: bonus!

[scumdog]

One of the more useful and quite under rated tools I have is an impact screwdriver. Theyre really cheap, and good for getting steel screws out of aluminium cases after they've been in there a while. I am a big fan of copper grease when putting them in again.

Plus, when using an impact driver you get to use a hammer as well: bonus!

Wot 'e sed 'bout impact drivers.

A lot of torx-headed (there's another tool you'll need) bolts etc are only 'undo-able' using an impact driver.

Some form of circuit tester (even a 'test' bulb will do) is a handy thing - more so a multi-meter.

[Gremlin]

Repco had a 143 pc toolkit on special from $409 to $199 over Christmas, if its still running and you need tools.

[Flip]

About the only thing I suggest is buy "good" quality tools for the bits you use all the time, you can fill out your tool box with cheepies but your 10, 12, 13 and 17 ring spanners and sockets (in these sizes) should be good ones. Cheap allen-tork keys are a liability to say the least. A good "automotive" range multi meter will prove invaluable.

Don't forget that a medium size soft face hammer is going to fuck a lot less when you miss the top of the impact wrench and don't take a ball pane hammer to any thing and don't want to bugger not ever.

A set of pin punches and a universal cir-clip pliers will be useful. A long soft drift (big punch) for removing axles, but you can make this yourself. Engineers-lineman's pliers and a long nose pliers will be useful. A wire brush will become your friend as will copper coat anti seize.

Screwdrivers need a whole page on their own but you will need a No1 and 2 phillips, buy good quality for these. A large engineers flat screwdriver will be more useful than you will know, the big ones have a hex section shaft so you can put a crescent on the shaft and some extend the shaft through the handle so you can hit them with a hammer without splitting them, the big ones are expensive so keep an eye out at garage sales or Sunday markets for one of these.

If you ever see a 2nd hand set of double open ender spanners at a garage sale-markets buy them, these are old fashioned tools but once you have a set they will become the first thing you reach for when you open the bonnet.

Finally by good quality I don't mean stahlwilly but I do mean Elora (paykles) or Powerbuilt (most places).

[hayd3n]

will become the first thing you reach for when you open the bonnet.



huh??????????????????????????

[Flip]

Figuratively speaking you know what I mean, I couldn't think of a suitable saying for a bike. When you get on your knees has another meaning.

[MSTRS]

When you get on your knees has another meaning.

Often directly preceding a plea for divine intervention...

[p.dath]

I haven't seen anyone mention a torque wrench yet - and having stripped a sump plug and knowing you are also knew to servicing I'd highly recommend you get one rather than tightening "by feel".

Also there is an oil filter "tool" (sorry don't know the name of it) that goes around the oil filter and attaches to a socket or torque wrench to allow the easy removal of the oil filter (Cycletreads sell these).

A funnel is handy for pouring oil into the bike so you don't spill it.

A tray to catch the drained oil is also needed, and then something to store the used oil. Note that disposing of used oil can be a real bitch.

[nosebleed]

Looking more and more economical to wizz your bike into a workshop, huh.
Put it this way, a 1/4" torque wrench alone is gonna be about $250.00 plus all the other tools mentioned here.
No-ones mentioned a tool box yet either.

[Gremlin]

No-ones mentioned a tool box yet either.
'scuse me sir... but the special from Repco included toolbox... 'spose its not the highest quality you'd come across given that you buy toolboxes empty for more... but hey, gotta start somewhere.

As for oil... very tricky. Ask your local shop. They dump all my old oil... because they also service it :woohoo:

[MSTRS]

Maybe all he wants to do is keep his chain at the correct adjustment...
A Crescent spanner and a single ring spanner for the adjusters might suffice.
What would a shop charge for doing a chain? $30? Then again next month, and so on.
The price of tools is not that bad if you get reasonable quality and use them often enough.

[nosebleed]

Sure he may only want to do basic chain adjustments and stuff, and thats how I read the intial post.
I was commenting more on the observation that even "simple" maintenance can require a myriad of tools, which aren't cheap, and the stalwarts that insist shops are ripoff merchants forget the investment it takes to perform some rudimentary tasks.


'scuse me sir... but the special from Repco included toolbox... 'spose its not the highest quality you'd come across given that you buy toolboxes empty for more... but hey, gotta start somewhere.


Apologies, didnt see that.

[Gremlin]

This was the toolkit I bought: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/132797-A-true-mobile-motorcycle-mechanic

[Mom]

Copious quantities of beer,always need beer when working on bike,makes swinging the big hammer easier.

Dont be silly! Wine is the only essence you need to work on your bike :yes:

[blackdog]

Also there is an oil filter "tool" (sorry don't know the name of it) that goes around the oil filter and attaches to a socket or torque wrench to allow the easy removal of the oil filter (Cycletreads sell these).


A pair of offset slipjoint pliers will work just as effectively
http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/CategoryImages/tmb1_000067.jpg

[Fatt Max]

Sure he may only want to do basic chain adjustments and stuff, and thats how I read the intial post.
I was commenting more on the observation that even "simple" maintenance can require a myriad of tools, which aren't cheap, and the stalwarts that insist shops are ripoff merchants forget the investment it takes to perform some rudimentary tasks.


Apologies, didnt see that.

Thats right mate, just basic stuff. I have a certain amountof tools and can get some more, home life wise it can be a bit of a pain getting the bike to shop so the more I can do at home the better.

Plus its a money saver in the long run and learning new stuff all at the same time.

Anyone got any suggestions for a good book on the subject that I could look at

Thanks all for the education, Mom, a cold beer and a warm pie beats any wine you care to mention

[tri boy]

Re book.
Just buy the service manual, (clymer, or similar) for a 2008 FBF (whatever that is).
You'll learn extra as you go.
Torque wrench is a very good idea as mentioned earlier.
(correct torgue values are in the manual). A 3/8'' drive would be most suitable. ie about 12ft/lb-50ft/lb approx.
Enjoy the frustration:devil2:

[dogsnbikes]

Also there is an oil filter "tool" (sorry don't know the name of it) that goes around the oil filter and attaches to a socket or torque wrench to allow the easy removal of the oil filter (Cycletreads sell these).

.

Oil filter cup

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=344013553

[p.dath]

Plus its a money saver in the long run and learning new stuff all at the same time.


Just FYI, I am yet to break even on doing it myself when comparing the cost of the tools I had to buy versus the cost of just getting the bike serviced ... However I am very happy with the knowledge I have gained.

[Flip]

Well here is Dans on line motorcycle repair course.............

This page is brillant, I wasted a whole day at work reading all this stuff......

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

This is my basic metric tool kit, it lives in the back of my old CJ (BMW) side car, what is not shown here is I also carry a tow rope, spare parts, oil's, torch, water and a first aid kit. The large 7/8th spanner is to remove the axle nuts.

227828227829

This is my basic imperial Harley tool kit, I carry a slightly bigger socket set, there is no feeler gages, more puncher gear incl some tubless plugs, I should add some wire to this kit as well. The wee tool bag lives in one saddle bag, the socket set is in the other.

227830

P_

[far queue]

... Anyone got any suggestions for a good book on the subject that I could look at...Here (http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=17991&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10004) you go this lot should get you going. Also available to download for free if you have a hunt around :innocent:

[far queue]

This is my basic metric tool kit...I carry that same wee Bahco socket set with me too, a neat wee set, although I had to swap the 13mm socket for 12mm to suit the bike.

[Flip]

This is the spanner wall at home:

227905227906227907227908

[p.dath]

227906227907227908This is the spanner wall at home:

227905

I was tossing up creating a shadow board, but I like your idea better, of getting a board with holes in it like that, and using hooks to hang everything up.

[Flip]

Mitre 10 sells half sheets and Smiths City sells the hooks loose and cheaply. You just have to paint the board white and mount it about 3/8ths off the wall.

[vifferman]

Your Aquilla is a v-twin, n'est ce pa?
Then also get one of those telescopic magnetic retrieval tools. V-engined bikes have a small black hole installed in the V by the factory. This has a powerful attraction for nuts, bolts and the like.

[Owl]

Then also get one of those telescopic magnetic retrieval tools.

Kincrome do one that's fairly cheap and also has a built in LED light. Very useful!:yes:

[Gremlin]

First impulse buy in a while was a torch from repco a few weeks ago, mechpro I think. 6 LED bulbs in a circle, centre was a telescopic magnetic pickup with flexi head.

[scumdog]

Your Aquilla is a v-twin, n'est ce pa?
Then also get one of those telescopic magnetic retrieval tools. V-engined bikes have a small black hole installed in the V by the factory. This has a powerful attraction for nuts, bolts and the like.

And what I call a 'hymen extractor' - one of them 2-foot long wire flexy things with a 4-claw 'grabber' at the end wot expands when ya push the button at the other end with yer thumb, ya put it around the 'visible-but-seemingly-irretreivable-object', easy yer thumb of the button and waah-lah! it's back in yot grasp.

Ya need it for thing wot don't have no magnetisation...:blink:

[Gremlin]

I thought you only found out it wasn't magnetic when you couldn't pick it up... Or is that just me?

Bloody bolts that aren't magnetic :facepalm:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I haven't seen anyone mention a torque wrench yet - and having stripped a sump plug and knowing you are also knew to servicing I'd highly recommend you get one rather than tightening "by feel".

Also there is an oil filter "tool" (sorry don't know the name of it) that goes around the oil filter and attaches to a socket or torque wrench to allow the easy removal of the oil filter (Cycletreads sell these).

A funnel is handy for pouring oil into the bike so you don't spill it.

A tray to catch the drained oil is also needed, and then something to store the used oil. Note that disposing of used oil can be a real bitch.

good tip re the torque wrench. You can get one that is OK (I am thinking Teng Tools brand) for cheap-ish. I think on special I paid $120 for a 1/4 inch drive one?

Most councils will have (at transfer stations) a free receptacle where you can dump used oil. they do in chur chur anyway. Councils want that stuff disposed of properly, so they dont charge you to dispose of it if you go there to do it. They dont want it in the stormwater system or the sewers or whatever for sure.

Ive had a cheap Repco "oil change kit" for about 20 years. It was about $20 or so then.

When you fit your new oil filter, I religiously tip some oil into it so the time the bike spends running with no oil pressure is minimised.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Well here is Dans on line motorcycle repair course.............

This page is brillant, I wasted a whole day at work reading all this stuff......

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

This is my basic metric tool kit, it lives in the back of my old CJ (BMW) side car, what is not shown here is I also carry a tow rope, spare parts, oil's, torch, water and a first aid kit. The large 7/8th spanner is to remove the axle nuts.

227828227829

This is my basic imperial Harley tool kit, I carry a slightly bigger socket set, there is no feeler gages, more puncher gear incl some tubless plugs, I should add some wire to this kit as well. The wee tool bag lives in one saddle bag, the socket set is in the other.

227830

P_

Was that you i was talking to on the CJ on Colombo St today at lunchtime-ish? I was wearing the red carnation, I man black Belstaff jacket.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I thought you only found out it wasn't magnetic when you couldn't pick it up... Or is that just me?

Bloody bolts that aren't magnetic :facepalm:

I've got a really long tongue that I use to catch flies, and pleasure women (not usually in that order) which can be useful for non-ferrous fasteners...

[Flip]

Was that you i was talking to on the CJ on Colombo St today at lunchtime-ish? I was wearing the red carnation, I man black Belstaff jacket.

There are so few men about who look good with flowers. Yes it was I on the brown beast.

[scumdog]

There are so few men about who look good with flowers. Yes it was I on the brown beast.


Fark, it might be true - but it won't go down well on KB - OK, except for the Honda riders that is...:whistle:

[Fatt Max]

Just to say thanks to all of you for your advice here, really appreciated

Big ups you all as those stupid bad mutha's' in South Auckland insist on saying..

[St_Gabriel]

Why worry about the the bike stand, I made one for the VL for less than 20 bucks. Got 2 pieces of wood 200x50mm, 500mm long (7 bucks) and screw them together so you get a block 200x100x500. Then get a 600mm piece of 25mm pipe (i think 10 bucks or so) and drill a 25mm hole through the wood block. This is your handle.
Slide the wood under the rear of the frame and lever the handle so the block stands up. (made sure that the wood will only sit on things that shouldnt break).
Sure makes oiling the chain a piece of cake.
Hope thats clear enough for you, but will post some pics if needed. Though your more than welcome to drop in and see it in action for yourself if your down in t his neck of the woods.

[St_Gabriel]

Heres some pics for if anyone else is interested.

Just make sure that you have clearance to the frame and that if anything protrudes (exhaust/brake rods/squashed elves) you may have to notch the wood. Seems to work fine for a Suzuki VL250, very stable.

[Gremlin]

Just make sure the underneath of your motorbike is suitable for that method. Some bikes, you can break a lot of expensive stuff under there...

[Magna83]

and having stripped a sump plug and knowing you are also knew to servicing I'd highly recommend you get one rather than tightening "by feel"

I second that. Did my first service on the bike over Christmas and I had a bastard of a time getting the oil drain bolt out. Musta been tightened by the hulk.

Depending on your bike, you may not need the oil filter tool to remove it. Some bikes (like mine) take filter cartridges that just pop out when you remove the filter cover. Just check your service manual.
I still have the old oil sitting out on the back porch in an old 2 litre milk carton. Haven't a notion what to do with it!

[p.dath]

I still have the old oil sitting out on the back porch in an old 2 litre milk carton. Haven't a notion what to do with it!

Look out for a Hazmobile collection in your area.
http://www.hazmobile.govt.nz/index.php

[Magna83]

Look out for a Hazmobile collection in your area.
http://www.hazmobile.govt.nz/index.php

Cheers for that mate.

[Smifffy]

Look out for a Hazmobile collection in your area.
http://www.hazmobile.govt.nz/index.php

Pick a name out of this thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/133276-The-bike-thief-name-and-shame-thread

and write something appropriate in the grass out the front of their place using the oil.

[Pixie]

I still have the old oil sitting out on the back porch in an old 2 litre milk carton. Haven't a notion what to do with it!

I pyrolytically reduce it to base chemical products and vent them to the atmoshere

[Flip]

Thats exactly what I do with it as well.

[Magna83]

I pyrolytically reduce it to base chemical products and vent them to the atmoshere

Haha, kinda dangerous for me to do that where I live. If you see a massive bush fire blazin across Mt.Vic, you'll no how it started.