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Item
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General Procedure
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Electrical |
*Check head light high/low beam, tail/brake light, turn signals,
instrument and driving lights.
*Test Kill button/switch and inspect overall wiring for chafe. Use
wire ties to secure loose wires. A shot of WD-40 will keep switches &
locks healthy.
*Check battery levels and clean terminals. Baking soda & water will
clean corrosion from the post (Don't get it inside the battery!), a
little petrolatum or grease helps prevent future corrosion.
*Inspect starter connections & mounting bolts. Check shaft for
excessive wear if noisy. *If your bike has a fuse box, check 'em and
get spares or Test Breakers. Fire is bad.
|
Engine
Fluids |
*Check levels. If engine/trans. oil is very dark or black, smells
burnt, change oil & filter.
*Inspect fuel filter & screens for crud and check lines for chafe and
dry rot.
*Water cooled Engines: Check coolant/anti-freeze level, and check
flow/pump/hoses.
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|
Brakes |
*Check and adjust lever & pedal travel. Refer to your owners/shop
manual for specs.
*Check master cylinders for clean brake fluid & proper fluid
levels.
*Irregular or "jerky" stopping may mean a warped rotor or drum.
*Inspect pads/liners and replace if needed. Don't let a front brake
grab on wet pavement.
*Brakes are possibly the most important component on a bike. Don't bet
your life on worn brakes!
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Tires &
Wheels |
*Inspect tires for even wear, tread depth and dry rot (cracking) or
cuts in side walls.
*Inspect valve stems for dry rot (and rim cuts on tube stems).
*Check air pressure. Do not over inflate especially in Hot
conditions/climate.
*Inspect rims for dents, cracks (alloy) and Carefully tighten
loose spokes.
*Check axles, axle nuts & hardware for tightness & wear and lube the
bearings.
*Inspect drive chain(& lube) or belt for excessive wear and
adjust/replace as needed.
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Engine &
Transmission |
*Check spark plugs. Brown to grayish-tan is good. Black is probably
from burning oil or a rich fuel/air mix., light gray or whitish can
mean a lean fuel/air mix or an intake leak.
*Check carb(s), adjust float level(s) & idle/fuel/air. Clean carbs are
happy carbs... Aerosol Carb/Injector cleaner can work wonders on
carburetor or fuel injected motors.
*Inspect/adjust ignition components & replace old spark plugs & wires.
*About every 500 miles, check nuts, bolts & screws for tightness.
*Inspect oil lines for leaks, cracks or chafe & look for oil leaks
from the engine/trans. case(s).
*Inspect air filter(s) and if dirty, replace or clean depending on
type.
*Inspect exhaust for leaks (especially at the manifold) and check
mounting brackets. *Adjust clutch, replace plates if slipping or
dragging. Check primary drive chain/belt. |
Frame &
Suspension |
*Check/tighten/torque all nuts & bolts, & engine/trans. mounting
hardware.
*Look for hair line cracks around engine/transmission mounting
brackets.
*Check steering head/fork assembly for looseness/tightness and adjust
if needed.
*Lube steering(tree) bearings.
*Check fork fluid level (refer to owners manual, use only approved
hydraulic fluid).
*Inspect rear shock(s), (replace if worn or soft) and check fender
mounting brackets/hardware.
*Inspect handle bars for cracks, check mounts and oil all cables.
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Highway Tool Kit & Spares |
*Wrench set. *Sockets with ratchet, extensions, U-swivel. *Screw
drivers. *Pliers (needle nose, vice grip & slip joint). *Crescent
wrench. *Hex wrenches. *Small utility knife. *Small hammer & punch.
*Hack saw blades. *File. *Thickness gauge. *12v test lamp. *Fuses.
*Assorted nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc. *Chain mast. link & spare
links. *Spark plugs. *Ign. points or module. *Hose clamp. *Bulbs.
*Spoke wrench. *Elect. Tape. *Elect. wire. *1 Can Flat Fix.
*Flat tire plug kit. *Sm. tube silicon/gasket maker. *Picture
(braided)wire. *1 Qt. Oil. *Shop rag. *Small flash light. *8'x10' poly
plastic rain sheet. *CELL PHONE... |
*Ride Smart! *Always Lock Your Bike. **A Small
First-Aid Kit Can Save A Life.
Thanks to Motorcycle City for this tipsheet! |
