Guest Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 For someone who had just bought their first bike and know nothing about them other than how to put petrol in, what would be the top 10 maintenance tasks a new owner should learn in order to keep the bike in good working order? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGD217 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Tyre PressuresKeep an eye on Oil and Water.Clean and Lubricate the chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey1984 Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Also learn how to take the brakes off and clean them thoroughly every 3-6 months depending on how much you use the bike.Then simple servicing which you can easily do yourself:Oil and oil filterAir filterSpark PlugsBrake fluidShould keep you in good running order and save you some pennies by not taking it to a garage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorian Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Tyre PressuresKeep an eye on Oil and Water.Clean and Lubricate the chain. As above, Keep tyre pressure correctKeep your oil level correct - let engine cool off so you can get accurate measure of your level and make sure the bike is level not on the side standClean the chain thoroughly (Everyone has different method) chain cleaner from halfords works well, i'm about to try parraffin myself. Then lubricate it thoroughly Keep an eye on tyre wear, don't let them get to low.Brake fluid is worth doing but every 4k miles should be fine. (Get a tube that stops air going back makes life easier)Brake pads, keep an eye on these. they tend to have little markers on them if you look close enoughPut ACF-50 over the bike (this applies mostly to winter riding)Keep the bike clean.Check the electrics are working every time you ride. Personally i just check the front lights and brake lights turn on correctly.Might be worth getting a haynes manual for your bike if they do one =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Not necessarily in order of priority but for me, you should know;1) How to adjust your rear wheel for chain tightening / loosening. 2) How to change your oil.3) What tyre pressures to use on what rides / temperatures for optimum rideability. 4) How to change your brakes. 5) How to plug a tyre (fix a puncture).6) How to bleed your brake fluid.7) How to change your coolant.8) How to adjust your levers to suit you.9) How to change bulbs & fuses.10) How to use a jet spray properly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorian Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 10) How to use a jet spray properly Bucket and sponge 4 lyf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 10) How to use a jet spray properly Bucket and sponge 4 lyfFor life... yep, that's about how long it will take you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 Check oil levelCheck tyre pressures and condition of tyresClean/lube/adjust chainCheck/adjust clutch cableCheck coolant levelCheck lights and replace bulbs when necessaryCheck brake pads and brakes for correct operationCheck suspension for leaks and correct movementThese are the basics in my opinion..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitedevil Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 just to add to the listset up suspension properlycheck wheel alignment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.