The little things

[bogan]

Not sure if it's a repost but is an bastard to search for!

anyway, what are some of the little maintenance jobs that make a big difference?

I recently got longer throttle cables, and they quickly stretched past the limits of adjustment, made a fixit and installed it, reduced the free play from about 10deg to only a couple. Makes a huge difference when coming off power as sometimes it would stick breifly, shifts are smoother, transitioning from engine braking to power on is more expectable.... so got me thinking, what are some other things that we should all take a look at every now and then, but maybe aren't aware of the difference it can make?

Heres my list:
Throttle free play
clutch brake, brake, shift lever free play and position
cush drive rubbers
tyre pressure
clean brake pistons, good condition seals

[Ocean1]

Maintenance?


Main-ten

Maint-ena

Ma... Nope, no idea.

Sounds Spanish?

[onearmedbandit]

Mentioned most on my list, but I'd also chuck into there tyre condition. A squared off tyre will adversely affect a motorcycles handling, compromising safety. And performance. There are also other signs to look for, scalloping for example.

[gijoe1313]

POL - Petrol, Oil and Lubrication :msn-wink:

Plus the greatest check up you can do is to ensure your mental headspace is up for riding two wheels of mayhem!

[Hellzie]

Check your hairdo... don't want your hair out of place while riding that's for sure! :Punk:

[scumdog]

Maintenance?


Main-ten

Maint-ena

Ma... Nope, no idea.

Sounds Spanish?

Wot you pay for having sired a child out of wedlock???:blink:

[Ocean1]

Wot you pay for having sired a child out of wedlock???:blink:

I've told 'em a dozen times, the wee bastard's no as pale as me, it were the coalman.

[ducatilover]

Fork seals/fluid. Bushings.
How are the SSA bearings?
Take the throttle block apart, degrease the inside of the plastic tube that grip slips onto, re-grease it with a very thin slather of white grease, reassemble and enjoy a throttle that's smoother than brandy on a Brazilian :love:

[Flip]

Lube all cables, every 6 months.

Change fork oil every 2 years.

[scumdog]

Lube all cables, every 6 months.

Change fork oil every 2 years.

Never done either...but then I'm rough.:devil2:

[superman]

Tinker with your fuel maps or jet needles... depending. :yes:

[98tls]

For those of us with older bikes 90s or thereabouts after getting them home besides the obvious both steering head and swingarm bearings should be replaced,in said decade Suzukis anyway lube from the factory in Swingarm was minimal to say the least,not to mention the archaic bearings in the steering head on a TL.

[Henk]

Set the pedal heights and lever positions.

[98tls]

Tinker with your fuel maps or jet needles... depending. :yes:

Interesting:(So tinkering with jets does? not to mention fuel maps,what are you going to do stroke the ecu?

[superman]

Interesting:(So tinkering with jets does? not to mention fuel maps,what are you going to do stroke the ecu?

Whisper sweet nothings to her and she'll put out a little more for you

[Spearfish]

Checking my points gap and setting it right makes a difference....for a ride or two...

[Ocean1]

For those of us with older bikes 90s or thereabouts after getting them home besides the obvious both steering head and swingarm bearings should be replaced,in said decade Suzukis anyway lube from the factory in Swingarm was minimal to say the least,not to mention the archaic bearings in the steering head on a TL.

True. I've been quite pleasantly surprised having replaced even slightly sticky swingarm and linkage bearings at the improvement. Same with head bearings. Fork oil is another one that sneaks up on you, I've left it too long at times and really noticed the improvement what it's been done. In fact from one particular experience I'd now be tempted to change fork oil damn near from new.

One particular hate is finding loose shifters, rear brakes and kickstarts. Given how hard the consequences will bite you on the arse it's surprising how many bikes you see with levers loose on their splines.

[98tls]

True. I've been quite pleasantly surprised having replaced even slightly sticky swingarm and linkage bearings at the improvement. Same with head bearings. Fork oil is another one that sneaks up on you, I've left it too long at times and really noticed the improvement what it's been done. In fact from one particular experience I'd now be tempted to change fork oil damn near from new.

One particular hate is finding loose shifters, rear brakes and kickstarts. Given how hard the consequences will bite you on the arse it's surprising how many bikes you see with levers loose on their splines.

Fwiw will add that its really not that hard to simply change the whole front end on many 90s bikes inclusive of brakes.I have a late model GSXR 750 front end/radial calipers/spacers blah blah in the shed to put on the TL,will probably do it over the winter.