How far do you go on a service?

[Bagheera]

I'm in the process of servicing my XSR900 and am following the haynes guide. Oil & filter done and have cleaned up the chain & lubricated it.

But, there's a fair bit listed in the Haynes to check. How many of you follow this religiously? Is it really needed? Here are some of the things listed:-

(6000 mile service)

- check/adjust spark plugs
- check/adjust throttle sync
- check fuel and air induction system
- check adjust steering head bearings
- Check tightness of all nuts,bolts & fasteners

I don't want to cut corners but are these all really needed? On things like throttle sync, what am i looking for?

Thanks for any help...

[NJD]

I don't do things by mileage, but instead by feel: if you work on the bike enough, and ride it regularly, then you'll get a feel for when something needs tinkering with -- and in most cases tinker with it for the sake of it even when it doesn't because why not.

Do what you feel is best, and put as much money into it as you wan't. I know that if I followed the Honda manual by the letter, however, I'd be living off the warmth of the engine using a bike cover as a sleeping bag (the words authorized and dealer are used alot in regards to the servicing sections of the manual).

Staggered throughout the year I'd expect to play attention to: all the brake calipers, oil filter and oil change, spark plug change and an air filter change. Depending on set-up things like clutch fluid or cable lubrication, too.

In regards to steering head bearings I'd be popping it up on a stand and checking movement from side to side and then handing it over to a garage if I really felt it needed doing, but given that I'm riding a 50,000 + mileage bike that I have no intention of ever paying to have them looked at in my ownership I doubt very much that a mileage as low as yours would require such work. With things like that it all depends on how much space you've got, and to me I wouldn't consider it an "outside" job just because of the need to leave things dissembled for one or more nights.

I hate haynes, this may help:

Forum:

https://yamaha-xsr-forum.com/forum/yamaha-xsr900-discussion-forum/37-yamaha-xsr-900-service-manual

Service manual link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0ZrcrAbnj3WUVUtWWNkbmZPUzA/view
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The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶

[Bagheera]

[NJD]

Before I respond I would like to say far more knowledgeable people will be along shortly, and so don't wish for you to take my opinion as gospel. I think I'm having a boring Saturday evening in comparison to some.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

"Don't mix different type of DOT fluid, and ensure you buy the correct one as recommended in the manual (and always use that type)."

Don't mix DOT 5 with any other fluid. Dot 3/4/5.1 are interchangable, only difference is the boiling point.
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DILLIGAF

[steve the grease]

2 comments
1.check one plug , the gap will be fine, then put it back and leave the others. with modern hi energy ignition systems plugs have a much easier life than in the past. If they need adjusting most times they need replacing.

2. It is virtually impossible to buy dot 5 brake fluid, I ordered it 3 times and was sent 5.1 3 times. When I questioned , I was told " we don't sell it , no one uses it". I had to get it from a specialist supplier. you would be most unlikely to be given it by mistake as virtually no one sells it , on ' the high street' at least.
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All the above is my personal opinion, you can see my lips move, but I'm talking out of my arse.
I've been riding, and fixing , bikes for 50 years, in that time the more I learn, the less I am absolutely sure of.....

[MCN]

Servicing and mileage are very closely connected.
The interval is determined by the OEM based on their research and findings over many years. And other sources. Mostly calculated using evidence rather than gut feelings.
Now the trend is Condition Based Service (CBS)
Fluids are still renewed based on mileage but other areas are inspected and then changed/replaced based on condition.
Caveat: Although a part may be within service limits it should possibly be replaced before the limit is reached.
e.g.
An OEM Specification states Minimum brake pad material thickness 1mm. So it is recommend to replace at 1mm.
But good engineering practice suggests replace if wear is near to the minimum. That ensures that there will be sufficient pad material until the next inspection/service interval.
Sometimes its a phaph to get into a part and replacing when in deep is the sensible option. (Maybe not economic short-term.)
Its not really a sense of feel per se. As brakes might 'feel' okay but might be on the last 0.1 of friction material. And new pads always feel better (when burned in properly) too.
This means service at the recommended intervals or sooner if usage is more severe or in more extreme conditions.
Experience does come into it but different machines have different wear patterns.
Generally, manufacturers put their stuff together using parts and designs that follow long established servicing regimes.
Though there are many exceptions and one must RTFB for each machine for specifics.

One of my bikes has a total TomFuckery to check the engine oil level. It has a tank oil reservoir.
(There is a little plastic pipe at the side that lets you see there is oil in the tank before start up. But difficult to see.)
The method:
Take the bike for a good run to warm the engine (heat in the metal)
Stop the engine.
Beast on centre stand.
Seat pads off.
Unscrew the dipstick in the top of the tank.
Wipe any oil off.
Place the dipstick in the tank but dont screw in.
Remove and check that there is oil between the top and bottom limits on the cross-hatched area.
Top up if low. (Drain some off via the plastic pipe if too much. )
Its a fucking phaphery and who checks oil after a run?
It has a low oil lamp too but it's poor show to leave thing so long for that hoowur come on.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Bagheera]

Really appreciate the replies, thanks!

[BTTD]

[MCN]

[MCN]

[Nobby the Bastard]

How far? up the pooper and everything!
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[BTTD]

[MCN]