to service or not to service!

[HarveyBlue]

Hi guys, ive had my bike a year now,its a CBR 125 '12 plate) it had a service in December.ive probably only put just under 1000m

on it since then. would it be an idea to get it done now? or leave it a full year? im not at all upto scratch on trying to change oil n things

yet. i would like to learn however in the future.might try tightening chain sometime but thats as far as i would go at the moment.

sorry guys! only been biking a year! bear with me! Thanks.

[Stu]

how many miles does the service book say??

as a rule of thumb go by the miles in the service book or every year whichever comes first

[Tango]

However....you really should learn how to maintain and adjust your chain.....

[Stu]

yes missed the chain bit

there is certain things that require a bit more attention

[CGD217]

There are some good guides on YouTube and loads of help on here. Was very apprehensive when I first did mine because I'd never done it and had nobody ever show or teach me. After you do it a few times though its a doodle

[XmisterIS]

Start with the easy things and move onto the harder things. Adjusting your chain and changing your oil are probably the two easiest things to do on the bike. Just make sure you get a decent socket-set with a good range of hex keys and a pair of torque wrenches (one large, one small) before you start, take it slow and logical, make sure you read, double-read and triple-read instructions before you start tinkering. If you can get a Haynes manual for your bike, then get it.

As a rule of thumb:

Having the right tools, thinking clearly about the job and taking your time = proper job well done.

Having the wrong/inadequate tools and rushing into the job = a complete cock-up, always.

[Pete]

Defo agree on learning to maintain your chain. Usually needs cleaning and lubing around every 500 miles. Look into getting a chain cleaner like a Kettenmax like this one http://www.getgeared.co.uk/KETTENMAX_Motorcycle_Chain_Cleaner_and_Greaser - works very well and saves so much time compared to using an old toothbrush! Just add paraffin (I get mine from B&Q).

As for learning to service bikes, minor service items such as oil and filter are easy enough to do, but like anything else if you don't know it might as well be impossible! Get yourself a Haynes manual for your bike and try some of the easier things at first to see how you get on. You'll have a few curse words here and there but it's all part of the fun of servicing your own bike. Alternatively there's no shame in paying a mechanic to do it if being a grease monkey just ain't your thing.