First service/maintenance - what to check for and do?

[chriszzz]

Hey all,

I'm buying a friends 3ln3 FZR250 for first bike (ongoing project), low kms and hasnt been driven for the last couple years or so. It needs re registering which I will be doing soon after I get it but before I start it I want to do a service as it has been sitting for so long, and because i've never serviced a bike before.

What else should I check for and do when I do this, was thinking:

Air filter
spark plugs
oil change
fuel change

Anything else?
I may take the carbs in to be checked over as I've never touched one before, unless someone can point me in the right direction for this?

[Flip]

you might find this usefull http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

[quickbuck]

Hey all,

I'm buying a friends 3ln3 FZR250 for first bike (ongoing project), low kms and hasnt been driven for the last couple years or so. It needs re registering which I will be doing soon after I get it but before I start it I want to do a service as it has been sitting for so long, and because i've never serviced a bike before.

What else should I check for and do when I do this, was thinking:

Air filter
spark plugs
oil change
fuel change

Anything else?
I may take the carbs in to be checked over as I've never touched one before, unless someone can point me in the right direction for this?
Righto,
First and foremost, we RIDE motorcycles, not drive them.......

That aside, if the bike runs after those things you mention there isn't a lot I would do, apart from replacing the oil filter, checking the air filter (most likely replace) and change the coolant.
However, I suspect it would run on 3 cylinders, or less (in which case it won't run at all).
If that is the case, the carbs will need to be pulled out and the jets cleaned. They tend to get a little gummy deposit in the jets if the fuel has been left to sit there for too long....
Oh, just remembered, make sure your battery is in top condition. If not get a new one. Not a cheap one either. These are false economy, as they go flat during winter due to less riding, and the cold.

Make sure the tyres are in good nick too. And have the wheel bearings and swing arm bushes checked.
Once all up and running, you will probably blow the fork seals, as they don't like to be left sitting without movement over time.
Make sure the brake pistons haven't seized in the calipers too....

Heck, I said there isn't a lot more I would do didn't I... I guess I have a different idea to what isn't a lot, not it is all typed out.

I love the 3LN's, and have had to get a few ex Japan up and running in the past.
They go very well, when all is right.

[cbfb]

you might find this usefull http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

+1, bloody brilliant website I learnt heaps from here

Manual here, dunno if it's right for your bike but should be a good start:
http://www.fzr250.com/viewtopic.php?t=327

What I do when I get a new bike/car is go through the 'Periodic Maintenance' aka servicing section and do pretty much everything in there.

If you haven't got tools check this thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/66479-Tools-required-for-a-motorcyclist

Most of all get yourself a torque wrench (I've got a 1/4" and a 1/2") will save lots of time and headaches.

[oracle]

you might find this usefull http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

Awesome link. Did my first service on any vehicle today and had to fit it in a small time window so had no one to help me. This and some videos seriously took a big chuck of anxiety out of it

Challenging gender stereotypes since ages ago...

[Genie]

I take mine to the motorbike shop...but I am a girl and don't like to get dirty nails, or broken ones.