The little things

**bogan** · 7th March 2011, 11:27

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** · 7th March 2011, 11:37

Maintenance?

Main-ten

Maint-ena

Ma... Nope, no idea.

Sounds Spanish?

**onearmedbandit** · 7th March 2011, 11:39

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** · 7th March 2011, 11:40

POL - Petrol, Oil and Lubrication

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

**Hellzie** · 7th March 2011, 12:00

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

**scumdog** · 7th March 2011, 12:08

Originally Posted by Ocean1

Maintenance?

Main-ten

Maint-ena

Ma... Nope, no idea.

Sounds Spanish?

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

**Ocean1** · 7th March 2011, 14:21

Originally Posted by scumdog

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

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

**ducatilover** · 7th March 2011, 14:28

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

**Flip** · 12th March 2011, 21:26

Lube all cables, every 6 months.

Change fork oil every 2 years.

**scumdog** · 13th March 2011, 16:19

Originally Posted by Flip

Lube all cables, every 6 months.

Change fork oil every 2 years.

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

**superman** · 13th March 2011, 19:50

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

**98tls** · 13th March 2011, 19:55

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.