Just took the bike in for a quick service

[Flamzypants]

and I realised I really know absolutely nothing about looking after it properly. I had a quick search around for topics and have read a bit about cleaning it every couple weeks, oiling up the chain and checking engine oil etc but I'm worried about doing something wrong. Is there a good guide I can use to help?

They had a look over the bike for me, said there was a bit of water in the brake fluid, a little leakage. Sliding caliper rubber has split and the chain and sprockets are worn and at end of adjustment. Though (and bearing in mind I know nothing) the chain looked like it could be pulled out quite easily and didn't look that bad to me.

They're going to call me up later with some estimates and charged me £36 for the pleasure. It's a honda dealer (bike is a cbr125r, I've heard they like to charge out the arse?)

I've only had the bike a few weeks and I want to look after it properly, I only intend to hold onto it for a few months until I pass my tests but until then it's what I hug every morning (gf doesn't count). I don't know much about it but I'd very much like to learn and deal with small problems myself.
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CBT - 30/06/11. RIP Sinnis Stealth 18/07/11. Theory passed! CBR125R 16/08/12. Mod 1 Booked.

[.....]

Do they do a Haynes for the CBR?

The can be a good start as they have all the maintenance jobs in there with pictures to help you.

Chain and sprockets is quite straightforward, checking and changing oil is easy. Water in the brake fluid? Not heard that before but bleeding brakes again is pretty straightforward.

Try and find a good local independent mechanic, they'll be cheaper than a Honda dealer. Where are you, maybe someone on here can help you?

[bikenut]

:karma: hi dude,

so you had the bike for a couple of weeks??!!

did you but it private or from a dealer ( warranty ) some pics etc..

so how long had the bike, how many miles on bike and how many miles you put on it, yhow much did you pay and how was it described..........

[Flamzypants]

Bought it private, it had 22000 miles on it, I've only put 50 on since then. Paid £950, is a 07. Was described as operating well, have been happy riding it around. It had an MOT in May under which it only had 1 advisory on the exhaust misbehaving but it was replaced according to the last owner. It was also serviced a few weeks before he passed it over.

Sorry should have made that clear!

I'll have a look for that haynes thing in a tic, I'll just nip outside and get some pictures.

https://imageshack.us/g/255/imag0095c.jpg/
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CBT - 30/06/11. RIP Sinnis Stealth 18/07/11. Theory passed! CBR125R 16/08/12. Mod 1 Booked.

[neatbik]

If the chain has run out of adjustment then its knackered. A good way to tell is if you can pull it away from the rear sprocket. Any more than a few mm of movement and its worn.

Also look at the teeth on your sprockets (dont forget the front one!) If they are hooked then they are worn out. Here is a photo of a good sprocket next to a worn one -

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6SfncwBQe4/TeewvTjSGII/AAAAAAAABy0/yM7qCfKeaUg/s400/sprockets%2Band%2Bother%2Bthings%2B003.jpg

Also check for tight links in the chain.
Perform those checks and you will be able to tell by yourself if it all needs replacing.

Brake fluid is Hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water over time. Even though the system is sealed moisture still gets in gradually over time, hence why its reccomended you replace the fluid every 2 years. The garage you took your bike to could well have used a brake fluid tester to gauge the amount of moisture in there.
This is important as water lowers the boiling point.

Changing brake fluid is quite easy when you know how, as is changing the chain and sprockets - but you will need a few tools.
Hope that helps.
Nick

[moppy]

I could do all those jobs and I'm rubbish at mechanic-y stuff. Haynes manual + a decent tool kit = Job done saving yourself a lot of money.

Chain & sprocket I would let a garage do though since I dont have an angle grinder or a riveter.

[.....]

[Flamzypants]

Cheers guys, I've seen some haynes on ebay for about £12 or so, I'll have a look at ordering one tonight. Will wait for honda to get back to me then contact some smaller garages and get quotes. I've got a decent amount of tools so if it looks easy enough I'll have at it!
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CBT - 30/06/11. RIP Sinnis Stealth 18/07/11. Theory passed! CBR125R 16/08/12. Mod 1 Booked.

[Aff]

Here is the workshop manual. Will give you all information on what needs to be done and when, and will show you how to do them.

Give it a read.

Save it and then view it, it doesn't work very well on the browser.

:edit: That will be £12 please sir.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[Flamzypants]

[BanditMonster...]

If you want to learn how to maintain your motorbike go to your local college and enquire about doing a 10 week course my mate did 1 and it didnt cost him anything, he then went on to do another 10 week course that cost him £179. They teach you how to maintain the bike and what to do when servicing, pre ride checks and other stuff, like pre buy checks. He did his a night you could probally do them during the day if u wanted.
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Derbi senda 50- Superbyke RMR 125 (chinese Suzuki rm)- Suzuki gs 500- Suzuki Bandit 600.

[bikenut]

:karma: also see the expoded views on cmnsl for your bike ( or any other thats listed there ) a great free reasource etc....;....