Annual Maintenance?

[CatatonicBug]

Well, this Spring will be the first Spring after a whole year of riding for me (I got my bike 2 Septembers ago). My question is, what kind of "mandatory" maintenance do you do to your bike on an annual basis, just because it's been a year since the last time it was done?

I assume most people do things like an oil change, but what else?
Do you flush the brake fluid every year?
Do you lube all the cables every year?
Do you replace the fork oil every year?
Do you grease/lube anything in particular every year?

Or, do you just wait until something starts acting up or breaks, and THEN fix it?

[fredintoon]

- - - Or, do you just wait until something starts acting up or breaks, and THEN fix it?

Hi 'Bug,
damn! How well you know me.

[randy]

Brake fluid - 2 yrs
Engine oil - every 2k
Mid / Final oil - 1 yr
Fork oil - can't remember when
Cables - 1 yr
Brake pads - 2 yrs
Wheel bearings - at tire change.

[dbeardslee]

Just to add to what Randy said - drive shaft splines lubed with high moly grease every 10k miles, or when you replace the rear tire. I think the next time I lube my speedo cable I'm going to use the high moly stuff there too.

[TomRodgers]

i havent had a chance to put miles on my XS yet (this summer will be the first), but on my other bikes ive owned, and other equipment i do the following...

1. clean ALLLLL areas well. I have found this little steam cleaner i glommed from my mother in law... shoot a little jet of steam into the smallest of places. this is for overall appearance, AND if anything needs to be fixed, at least i dont look i swam in sh!t when done

2. check all rubber parts for wear/cracks/abbrasions....replace what needs to be...

3. drain/inspect/change all oils and filters (including fuel). I know some have said every 2 years, but with my past bikes, i usually clock about 20k + per year (from march till october). oil is relatively cheap, and its better than burning parts up.
4. lube all moving parts. carbs, throttle, clutch, pedals,
5. tighten all things that need tightened.
6. previously listed things....
7. all electrical connections checked and double checked. vibrations work in mysterious ways!!!!!

Others will add!!!

[Crazcnuk]

Brake fluid - 5 yrs
Engine oil/filter - every spring, regardeless of mileage
mid/Final oil - every spring
Fork oil - When I get the bike, and when I change fork seals
Cables - whenever they get sticky
Brake pads - When they wear out.
Wheel bearings - When I get the bike (14yrs on my Shadow)
Air filter - Check every spring, clean as needed (K&N)
Spark plugs - 2-3 years for regular plugs
Tires - as needed, usually a rear every spring
Grease rear brake pedal - one shot every spring


Basically, spring is time to check everything, change the oil and do a really good cleaning. You will notice things that need attention when you clean them.

[bikerphil]

Don't forget to fill the battery with distilled water if you have the wet cell type.

[Ivan]

1) Turn key clockwise
2) Push button
3) Twist grip
4) Piss off neighbors.

Everything else id consequential.

[TomRodgers]

Ivan....i LOVE the way you think!!!!!

I really love doing it on my way to work in the morning... i leave the house about 4 a.m.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

1) Turn key clockwise
2) Push button
3) Twist grip
4) Piss off neighbors.

Everything else id consequential.

Heh heh........bet my neighbors hate me more than yours hate you and I don't leave 'till 7:00

[Crazcnuk]

That's what shotguns are for.

Taking out fags with thier loud bikes. (Southpark)

Seriously, wake me a few morning in a row (at stupid hours) and you'll find you need a lot of rewiring on your bike.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Heh heh

Relax Craz....... it WILL eventually warm back up there in the frozen north.

Kinda

[Crazcnuk]

heh, good to know!

[dbeardslee]

Seriously, wake me a few morning in a row (at stupid hours) and you'll find you need a lot of rewiring on your bike.

O.K., that one cracked me up. LOL .

[DGXSER]

O.K., that one cracked me up. LOL .

Only because it is somethin' you WOULD do!!