Bike Maintanence

[IntangibleFame]

hey im new here and pretty new to the bike industry
i was wondering whats some basic maintenace etc to keep a bike in good riding order
anyone got any tips/advise they could give to a new rider.. :?:


(if this is in the wrong thread or there is already a thread bout this, sorry :oops: )

[Dragon]

Sure, can't offer much though... Hello Deeeeeej!?
I know this sounds kind of crazy but I find whe you wash your girl every couple of weeks she actually rides a lot better, When she is filthy she rides like shit... anyone else find this? Kooky!

Anyway, good idea to lube your chain every one or two tank fills... Just whack her on the cntr stand (good thing those) and roll the wheel while lubbing the "lower" chain. Why lower? Because that way the lube goes through the chain. Oh yeah and do this when the chain is warm, so that the lube sticks and seeps in, then wait a while to let in cool, so it gets STICKY!
EG. I get home after a long ride, pop her up and lube the chain, don't ride her for at least 30 mins after... You could also have the bike run in first gear so you don't need to turn the wheel yourself, but I don't bother, I prefer to "see" what's going on, but that's me and I don't have a lot of mechanical experience or the like, so....
Umm, check your chain tension every now and then to see if there is too much slack, if so then locate the tightest spot in the chain and adjust the freeplay to that spot.. well I think so.. This is how I do it...
Regular service is probably good too...

Umm, guys, P.E.G.'s ummm help? suggestions?

[Flakey]

(this should probably be in 'techamickle stuff')
When ya lube ya chain (with good quality stuff), do it on the 'inside' or the top of the lower chain - if ya put it on the outside, then it comes right off and all over ya bike...B-(

I find that when ya clean it, you pick up all the loose / worn stuff cause there washin and inspectin ya baby nice and close. So it kinda works to make ya baby shine, and keep her in one piece.

You will find though, that just after ya cleaned it, you'll have to ride through some road works that the council are doing, cause they were bored... :cry: Just means ya have to wash it AGAIN...

It does feel better knowing that your on a spiffy shiney bike rather than a dirty one too.

[Erion Dave]

you all knew this was coming...................................
................................................
....................SEE PETE AT CAUSEWAY HONDA!!



haha

[IntangibleFame]

well ill start of with a wash on saturday morning before a ride

[Deej]

well ill start of with a wash on saturday morning before a ride

Ahh but how are u guna wash it.......... and wot with!! These are all considerations of the tru motorcycle enthusies....inthusies.....enthuyest.............. .................... Owner.
:?

[IntangibleFame]

water and soap ?
polish ?


or wot else should i be using ?
how obvious is it that im new to bikes haha

[Dragon]

For your stainless pipes there is some good polishing stuff, comes in a tube in a small box... Ummm, anyone know the name of it?? (is it Autosol??)
Well, I use this and sometimes polish wadding if it isn't caked dirty by auto one (I think), which comes in small silver tin?
For soap, a soft detergent is probably best, (I use some soft glowash for cars) although there probably is something better, anyone??
Ohh and be careful cleaning your screen, they scratch easy!
For the rims... a rag and... (ask Big W what he uses)

[ChOOkiE]

go the kero on the rims/pipe.. gets rid of muck well and protects against rust aswell.. make sure not to get it near stickers though.. or they will slide off like a baby down a mudslide

[oinks]

To clean the bike I take it to one of them car washes and give it a hose down with the high pressure water to get most of the crap off, then take it home and go over it with Mr Sheen, Mr Sheen on the helmet/visor as well. As for rims, shoulda got a bike with black rims

[Anonymous]

Anyone know how to get rid of rust spots on forks? The GPX I've got came with a few spots 1-1.5mm size at the top of the forks. They guys at NorthCity Yamaha said that Autosol would get rid of it... but no luck so far. Anyone got any ideas to help a newbie?

[Hewie]

umm there is a chemical called "rustex" (i think) that eats rust...

it is a small bottle with a clear liquid. u just brush (small paint brush) a small amount on the rust and it removes it.. it apparently wont damage the unlying metal ..if i recal rite u use it in panel prep prior to painting a car ... well thats wat we were told to use it for .. it did a good job and didnt leave a residue .. maybe have a look at this ...

thats wat we use anyway

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a try. I'm assuming you can get it from Marlow's or similar??

[Hewie]

yeh mate try marlows for it or the "auto" section of bunnings... i cant remember where i got mine from.. i have to get some more this weekend any way.......so when i find it i can let u know where and wat its called if u want ..

[Anonymous]

Cheers, that would be great