Bike maintenance? [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

prettybillie

27th February 2009, 11:39

FROSTY

27th February 2009, 11:48

keep an eye out on the wendsday night thingee.Really soon we are gonna do a spanner night.

prettybillie

27th February 2009, 11:48

keep an eye out on the wendsday night thingee.Really soon we are gonna do a spanner night.

oooooh can you totally make sure I am on the list for that!!!!!

FROSTY

27th February 2009, 11:57

have a looksee

R6_kid

27th February 2009, 11:59

Changing a tyre isn't common mechanical knowledge - not for a motorbike anyway. FWIW its a bit of a bitch and well worth the $30 you get charged to have a bike shop fit and balance it!

disenfranchised

27th February 2009, 12:20

I enrolled for the Rutherford Community Education course.
$50, run by Wild West Honda over 3 nights (once a week)
The course is running at the moment, and the next round is starts in May I think....

Only done the first session so far, which covered identifying everything, what problems to check for.
Next session we bring in our own bikes and will do things like brake pads, oil changes.
Dunno what the third session will cover....engine stuff I expect.

Nasty

27th February 2009, 12:24

Personally, wouldn't want to change a tyre ... would be dumb to attempt without the equipment that really is not common to most households.

Common everyday things I attended a basic maintenance course held at a local bike shop - went through the stuff that Grub used to look after - oiling chains, tyre maintenance, oils etc etc ....

Apart from that ... find someone who knows what they are doing, I am sure Jrandom would help, and get them to help you do what you need. Which is the other side of what I did ... I call it watching and learning - a good skill to have.

retro asian

27th February 2009, 12:25

and pervy boys.

So which page has stuff we can perv at? :bleh:

Like R6 Kid said, I don't ever plan to change my own tyre... Cycletreads do such a good job!

If I ever want to do something mechanical I google it......Google knows everything!!

prettybillie

27th February 2009, 12:54

Changing a tyre isn't common mechanical knowledge - not for a motorbike anyway. FWIW its a bit of a bitch and well worth the $30 you get charged to have a bike shop fit and balance it!

But what if you're on the track or can't get the bike to the shop cause it's got a flat tyre????:baby:

R6_kid

27th February 2009, 13:02

Go see if you can track down a racer as they tend to have tyre irons and neccesary other tools - show cleavage, batter eyelids, and cross fingers for success?

But then if you weren't planning to get a flat you probably wouldn't have a spare tyre with you - i don't know many people other than racers that take extra tyres to trackdays.

Puncture repair kits are good to know how to use. I have an old tyre of my gixxer if you'd like to practice on it.

3umph

27th February 2009, 13:29

But what if you're on the track or can't get the bike to the shop cause it's got a flat tyre????:baby:

then you need to learn to be able to remove the whole wheel (front and rear) from the bike then take that to the shop...

otherwise its a call to the shop to get them to pick it up if the bike is your only transport...

I could change a tyre but whats the point for a few $$ the shop can fit and balance... for something you may struggle with doing and need a compressor as well to seat the bead...

just my 10c.... now where is the perving???

Nasty

27th February 2009, 13:33

But what if you're on the track or can't get the bike to the shop cause it's got a flat tyre????:baby:

That is an entirely different situation ... and does not necessitate changing a tyre. There are many different kits available ... and using them is really simple - follow the instructions that come with it. Mind you if you choose the one with CO2 make sure you have an extra canister or two ... just in case its needed in order to get you to the nearst station.

The Pastor

27th February 2009, 14:30

when it comes to the next time you have to do somthing on your bike - change the oil etc. ask on here for somone to come show you. its pretty easy and most people are willing to help out.

fwiw, i learned by (wearing nikes and) just doing it. got in there, got stuck a lot but kb's good for help :)

3umph

27th February 2009, 14:56

Trudes

27th February 2009, 17:04

I got a very good friend (my sister/brother husband :love: ) to help and show me how to do all the stuff I'd ever want to do myself, so maybe ask around if there is someone close by who would be willing to spend a day giving you a hand to give your bike a service, best way to learn. (And when I need new tyres I will pay the extra $30 or so to get them fitted at the shop I buy the tyres from, I've heard they're a bitch to do, so why bother. Tyres are pretty bloody important on a bike and I'd rather someone with the right tools and knowledge did them for me) :)

Number One

27th February 2009, 17:26

I think all the boys on here who say pay the $30 to get it changed at a shop OR I wouldn't EVER change my own tyres..should hand in their man cards :bleh: It isn't that hard...I do it regularly myself mostly unassisted on both the SV650 AND our two bucket race bikes.

If you have the tools needed (tyre levers and bead breaker minimum) get someone who knows what they are doing to show you and watch you do it a few times and you are away...it ain't rocket science (or Ohlins suspension :lol:) FFS

Str8 Jacket

27th February 2009, 17:27

You da man #1. You da man! :yeah:

Number One

27th February 2009, 17:29

You da man #1. You da man! :yeah:
I know :lol: Clearly bigger balls than some of the guys anyway :rofl: meh

howdamnhard

27th February 2009, 17:29

Nasty

27th February 2009, 17:31

Totally da'man Number One ... and good looking too!!

Number One

27th February 2009, 17:31

Totally da'man Number One ... and good looking too!!
What are you after? :rofl:

Nasty

27th February 2009, 17:34

What are you after? :rofl:

Ya son .. I pick him up around 10.30

Programme is:
Zoo opens - 9.30am
Talk at Monkey Island 10.15am
Animal training in Wild Theatre 10.45am
Sausage sizzle begins 11am
Sunbears talk 11.30am
Chimps talk 12noon
Giraffes talk 12.30pm
Tahi the kiwi talk 1.15pm
Sausage sizzle ends 2pm
Tigers talk 2pm
Reptiles talk 2.30pm
Cotton top tamarins talk 3pm
Pelicans talk 3.30pm
Zoo closes 5pm

Number One

27th February 2009, 17:35

Ya son .. I pick him up around 10.30

:niceone: he's yours! Bring him home VERY sleepy :shutup: :sunny:

3umph

27th February 2009, 17:41

vifferman

27th February 2009, 17:45

Apart from that ... find someone who knows what they are doing, I am sure Jrandom would help, and get them to help you do what you need. .
I hope you meant "help to find someone who knows what they're doing". :confused:
Last I knew, j the random was a self-confessed "mechanical numpty". :Pokey:
Knows heaps of other stuff though, and is one of the toppest thinking people I know. :yes:

As for changing tyres - I learned to do that when working on a gummint farm (basically it's just a step up from changing/repairing bicycle tyres, which I could do when I was 10). But despite knowing how, I never bother. Be different if you're an off-roader, or racing buckets, but otherwise as others have said, knowing how to get the wheel off and in to a workshop is usually enough.

The Pastor

27th February 2009, 17:51

most people dont have a supply of tyres away from the tyre store, so its just easier and quicker to get them when you ride down to buy new tyres.

Trudes

27th February 2009, 18:26

Yeah I don't know eh, I consider brakes and tyres to be the most important things to have in good safe working order. Brakes are pretty simple and straight forward but when it comes to the big fat tyres on my Hornet I'd rather pay $30 and let the shop fit them and know they aren't going to fall off while I'm doing 100kmph around a corner. Also I'm sure it would take me more than an hour to do them, so it's not worth my time.
Now bucket tyres are a different story.... in fact I'm going to attack Pamela's this weekend. :)

CookMySock

27th February 2009, 18:34

Good on ya PB for having a go. If you can take a wheel off and take it to town, they can fit you in for tyres and tyre repairs better than if you took the whole bike in. You really need proper stands to do it, rather than trying to get by with jacks and ropes. There are little oopses like putting the spacers in left-for-right and ending up with an offset wheel, or leaning on the wheel and bending a brake disk, and pinching the speedo sensor where ya shouldna.

Before you try to do anything you need basic tools, like front and rear stands, socket set, allen key set, ratchet ringspanner set. You also need a bike manual and a torque wrench - you should put every nut and bolt back exactly how the manual says - so it doesnt fall out, and so its not overtightened and damaged.

Other tricks like taking the fairings off and replacing them are quite straight forward once you have seen it done. Others - removing the dash and replacing a bulb, upgrading the headlights, adjusting the handlebars, fitting LED indicators - are all a lot of fun. And then theres the biggy - repairing your bike yourself after crashing it..

Steve

madbikeboy

27th February 2009, 18:34

PB, learning the important and basic stuff - oil level, fluid level, brake check etc - will pay the most dividends.

It's not even that tough to do your oil changes, or air filter changes or cleans (if you have an aftermarket filter like a K&N).

Find someone who can show you the basics - nothing on a GSXR is that hard to do.

MBB

Mom

27th February 2009, 18:36

Hi Girls - and pervy boys.

I really need to learn how to maintain and fix the little things on my bike. To the extent that I don't even know how the change the tyre :crazy:

Anyhoo, how did you girls learn to do all this sort of stuff and is there a course, book to read or whatever that will help me?

Cheers

Good call prettybillie, learning how to do basic maintenance is important. Problem is you need tools. Yes you can use the basic ones provided in your bikes tool kit (if you were lucky enough to buy a bike that had one), or you can do what I have done and invest in some basic (really basic) tools that will do instead. Tyres are not basic maintenace of the home fix variety IMO.

oooooh can you totally make sure I am on the list for that!!!!!

NO, but you can totally watch the forum and register to attend the next one.

when it comes to the next time you have to do somthing on your bike - change the oil etc. ask on here for somone to come show you. its pretty easy and most people are willing to help out.

fwiw, i learned by (wearing nikes and) just doing it. got in there, got stuck a lot but kb's good for help :)

Nice post RM. Did you chip your nail varnish when you got stuck in?

I hate it when that happens :shifty:

The Pastor

27th February 2009, 18:37

Good call prettybillie, learning how to do basic maintenance is important. Problem is you need tools. Yes you can use the basic ones provided in your bikes tool kit (if you were lucky enough to buy a bike that had one), or you can do what I have done and invest in some basic (really basic) tools that will do instead. Tyres are not basic maintenace of the home fix variety IMO.

NO, but you can totally watch the forum and register to attend the next one.

Nice post RM. Did you chip your nail varnish when you got stuck in?

I hate it when that happens :shifty:
oh my golly goodness isnt that just ever so annoying?

heels on an oily floor, so hard, but whats a girl to do eh?

pete376403

27th February 2009, 19:10

Most useful tool for tyre fitting - big rubber mallet. $10 from Repco. ($4.50 from Supercheap but the f*cking thing broke the handle after a coupe of hits)

BiK3RChiK

27th February 2009, 19:25

Mostly I've learnt stuff about cars and bikes by being interested when some guy is working on it and I've poked my nose in and asked and watched, then given it a go myself. I was brought up on a farm and consider myself a 'jack of all trades' type person and will give most stuff a go, even if I cock it up a bit! You learn best that way, I think, as long as it isn't an expensive thing! Haha..

So best thing is, when you think you need to do something on the bike, just ask someone who knows about mechanics on bikes to come around and guide/show you how it's done and go from there.

Mully

27th February 2009, 19:34

I got a very good friend (my sister/brother husband :love: )

Is this one person???

Last I knew, j the random was a self-confessed "mechanical numpty". :Pokey:
Knows heaps of other stuff though, and is one of the toppest thinking people I know.

Yep, he's very S.M.R.T about lots of things - but I don't think mechanics is one of 'em.

Trudes

27th February 2009, 19:35

Is this one person???

:lol: yep, he's a whole lotta man!!!:niceone:

Mully

27th February 2009, 19:42

:lol: yep, he's a whole lotta man!!!:niceone:

And woman apparently.

From the deep South perhaps?

Trudes

27th February 2009, 20:01

The Hutt I think.:laugh:

Number One

27th February 2009, 20:01

If I was racing a bike then that would be a different story about changing tyres... but since I am not and dont want to dammage my polished rims I'll get them changed at a shop

But despite knowing how, I never bother. Be different if you're an off-roader, or racing buckets, but otherwise as others have said, knowing how to get the wheel off and in to a workshop is usually enough.

I hate the idea of paying someone to do something I can do perfectly fine myself. Haven't cocked it up yet and ridden on the road and track heaps without incident. I don't have purdy polished rims to worry about or spare money to give away so the thought of fucking around taking my wheel or bike into a shop to get it done, waiting and then paying for it is just not that inspiring to be honest.

awayatc

27th February 2009, 20:12

Changing a tyre isn't common mechanical knowledge - not for a motorbike anyway. FWIW its a bit of a bitch and well worth the $30 you get charged to have a bike shop fit and balance it!

What if you ride outside shop hours?
Or outside city limits?
Or outside cellphone coverage area..? (82.08% of south Island)
Or all of the above in one hit?

Had 4 punctures last year....something you can easily take care off as stated in some posts once you know how, and carry a few bits....
A mallet indeed.....
small hand pump, puncture kit, spare tube and levers...

It feels good being able to sort your own shit out.....

Trudes

27th February 2009, 20:15

Are we talking fixing a puncture here, or changing a tyre??

Number One

27th February 2009, 20:17

Are we talking fixing a puncture here, or changing a tyre??
I have never fixed a puncture! Only had one and that was well before my tyre changing days. I must get one of those kits actually...

Trudes

27th February 2009, 20:18

I have never fixed a puncture! I must get one of those kits actually...

Neither, thankfully I haven't had one yet (now that I've said that I'll get one, so yes, I must get one too!!)

vifferman

27th February 2009, 20:32

Neither, thankfully I haven't had one yet (now that I've said that I'll get one, so yes, I must get one too!!)
Fark'n BikerGodz! Whoda thort they read the Interdweebs, huh?

I've had three in the last few years - two were in almost brand new tyres.
Grrrrrrr! and all that.

awayatc

27th February 2009, 20:38

Are we talking fixing a puncture here, or changing a tyre??

Fixing a tyre (tubed ones anyways..) is pretty much same as changing tyre.

Tubeless tyre fixing is dead easy with little kit....(non spoked mag wheels)

Still need air though....
Keep it simple:small bicycle hand pump....
Some people do 1000.000kms without punctures....
But what can I say?....I get nailed regularly...
Character building

awayatc

27th February 2009, 20:41

Fark'n BikerGodz! Whoda thort they read the Interdweebs, huh?

I've had three in the last few years - two were in almost brand new tyres.
Grrrrrrr! and all that.

please tell....
How did you get it sorted?
You carry a kit now?
Just curious

R6_kid

27th February 2009, 23:51

In defence of my man card, I've had my GSXR totally striped, the only thing I havent disassembled on a bike is USD suspension and a rear shock. Other than that i've done most everything inside the engine, and put together an R6 and a GSXR1000K3 from a bare frame back to safe and road legal. Heck I even got paid to be a pit bitch on GSXR1000K6.

There isn't really much you can do wrong if you think logically about what you are looking at, and it always helps to have a manual to refer to when going indepth.

Changing tyres - yep it's easy enough, sure. Fixing a tyre puncture - easy enough.

Changing oil and filter, air filter, chain lube and adjustment, and checking brake pad thickness is all pretty rudimentary - good on PB for wanting to get in and learn it. After that it pays to have a good idea as to what you are doing otherwise get someone who knows to help/show you.

The best way to learn is by doing.

:done:

can I keep it?

Number One

28th February 2009, 06:30

In defence of my man card......

There isn't really much you can do wrong if you think logically about what you are looking at, and it always helps to have a manual to refer to when going indepth. EXACTLY!

The best way to learn is by doing. Indeed it is!

:done:

can I keep it?

Who'd have thought the fellas would be so defensive about that wee comment of mine :lol: anyway...r6...since you in fact have tried and can do those things and you are actually asking...sure, keep your man card ;)

Context: I was a little disappointed to see so many people so readily comment that they would never even try to do their own and that they would rather just pay money for someone else to do it. As I said it isn't rocket science and unless you are really time poor, just generally can't be arsed, don't have the tools or interest lack the know how or someone available to show you...why the hell not give it a go. Shit if I can do it anyone can! I am not that special...it's just an attitude really. AND I've seen the boys out back of shops changing tyres and, watching some of them...it ain't that pretty to be honest! ALSO I have never had a puncture due to a handfull of paperclips being inside my newly installed tyre either :no:

Nasty

28th February 2009, 07:35

I have never fixed a puncture! Only had one and that was well before my tyre changing days. I must get one of those kits actually...

I haven't needed to either .. but I have watched others use my kit to fix theirs ... and was really glad I had the kit!!!

davebullet

28th February 2009, 21:49

You have to have a gentle temperament and be prepared to think a few steps in advance. If you are the sort who, when using a computer, will swear, curse and get to the point of contemplating smashing the thing, then mechanical fiddling might not be for you. Tanks dent easy with hammers...

I can understand also someone not servicing a new bike or bike under warranty themselves.

Chocky

3rd March 2009, 23:01

If you are anywhere out west (blockhouse bay,gleneden,new lynn,henderson,etc) and need help give me a a txt,ring,PM 25 years on bikes so I can deal with most anything (and I have a compressor!) 0277337543
24/7 I am ALWAYS happy to help fellow bikers.
this goes for anybody on KB or their friends
unfortunatly I dont have a trailer