Basic maintenance

[Jaloopa]

I want to keep my bike in good condition, and also learn some mechanics for the knowledge and to reduce mechanic bills. Unfortunately, I'm starting from pretty much zero knowledge.

I lube the chain about once a week, and I know how to adjust the chain tightness and check oil. What other little things will keep the bike running well, and what things should I be looking out for before they go wrong?
____________________
mattsprattuk wrote: but at least the lifan could do like 104mph in 3rd gear

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Keep an eye on both brake fluid levels and clutch fluid if it has it.

Keep your throttle cables adjusted with the reccommended 3mm of free play, or whatever suits you.

Make sure it's warm before riding it hard.

Can't think of anything else at the moment.
____________________
My Flickr

[Ben.]

buy a haynes manual, it tells you routine maintainance etc.
____________________
follow my racing season
Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[Jaloopa]

I've looked for a Haynes, but I'm not sure there is one for this model (Yamaha TW 125)

Would the brake fluid be the little box near the throttle?
____________________
mattsprattuk wrote: but at least the lifan could do like 104mph in 3rd gear

[Ben.]

[TUG]

i disagree, taking stuff aparat and taking loads of pics is the best way when your new to mechs, i've done so much stuff and forgot how it goes back together its unreal. once you get into it theres pretty much nothing you cant do unless you cant be arsed.
____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

[stinkwheel]

[TUG]

true, but you still have to do it to get used to it, i agree with you though you need to atleast know the principles first like in a guide.
____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

[konsoli]

mostly maintenance stuff i can think of:

change tyres when low on tread or after X miles, change oil after X miles, change plug, brake pads (if needed), chain, sprockets.

[Jaloopa]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm a little bit worried at how quickly the discussion turned to complete stripdowns, hopefully I won't be needing to do anything that drastic for a while.

One thing I've noticed, when I ride it onto campus I turn the engine off and push it a bit to get to where I park (on a pavement, not really sure I should be under power along it) and the front wheel seems to make a clicking noise. I don't know if it's metal somewhere near the front cooling down or something that happens whenever the wheel moves that I only notice it when the engine's off. Does it sound like a loose spoke or something serious I should get sorted before the wheel falls off, or just a normal sound?
____________________
mattsprattuk wrote: but at least the lifan could do like 104mph in 3rd gear

[stinkwheel]

Get yourself a spanner or a screwdriver or something and tap all the spokes with it. A correctly tightened spoke will make a musical pinging sound. A loose one will make a dull thunk.

Brake discs can make a 'tink tink' sound as they cool down, it would do this while stationary too though.

Could be coming from the speedo drive.

What's more likely is it is actually coming from the back end, chains can sound quite noisy when pushing the bike.

If the spokes are all tight, get it up on the mainstand and turn the wheel, feel for any roughness in the bearings as you do so (the wheel sits on two ball bearing races). Make sure the tyre isn't fouling the mudguard or any of the cables that run past it and that the mudguard is securely attached. See if it still makes the same noise when you spin it, if not, I wouldn't worry unduly.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Shay HTFC]

Have a gander here.
One of the best websites about motorcycle maintenance I have read!

https://www.dansmc.com/indexindex.htm