so what maintenance stuff do i need?

[mic]

evenin

i have no idea what i need for maintenance for a bike

am thinking of a chain oiler so its one less thing to forget to do.... so im gonna need chain oil and engine oil. brake fluid for topping up.... what else?!

i used to tinker with cars so dont mind getting hands dirty but its been a while.

thanks

[Clutchy]

Brake fluid, meh only if you NEED it.

For a service I always get an oil filter, new oil, about 2.8 litres goes into my bike but obviously it varies so get enough.

Air filter, really easy to do and spark plugs.

Then check over bike, stuff like slack in throttle/clutch etc.

I wouldn't bother getting a chain oiler, just get a can of chain lube, spray toward the front sproket, and if possible leave to dry (thinner is used so it can come out of the can) that way it wont fling onto your tyre and hopefully you won't go sliding down the road


Saying that I've sprayed it on and gone for a ride straight away before so not sure how true that is.

Couldn't recommend a haynes manual or download a workshop manual enough, it will help big time.
____________________
Malaguti F12 Phantom-Dead, Suzuki AY50- Dead, NRG power DD LQ, CBR125.
*33 BHP restriction up on 10/12/14* Current bikes/car: SV 650 S/ MKIV GOLF
Guide to pass your test with no lessons!

[Baisemontchou]

General maintenance is relatively simple, everything listed above, it's all on a much smaller scale than any car (obviously) brake pads are laughably small for example.

You've got to be much more aware of cleaning and protection of the bike's finish. Chrome forks pit, ANY chrome pits, exposed screws and fixings can corrode easily. I use Muc-off bike cleaner, Muc-off wheel cleaner, Muc-off chain cleaner, then Muc-off bike spray and Muc-off silicone, Muc-off chain lubricant.

Basically I like Muc-off stuff!

ACF50 - (which isn't Muc-off) to protect (very well) exposed metalwork.

if you don't have a centre-stand, motorcycle paddock stands, about £50 for a pair (front and back) make a massive difference when cleaning or maintaining.
____________________
Current Carz: Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorrento Diesel
Current Bikz: '06 Honda Shadow 750 Custom, '02 Sachs Roadster 650, '10 Yamaha R125, '12 Derbi GPR 50, '04 Yamaha TZR 50.

[Az]

Chain lube or scott oiler or you can just soak ur chain in old engine oil to lubricate it
Tools to adjust your chain as it may need adjusting every now and then
ACF50 to apply to areas which may rust if ridden in the rain
Cleaning products
WD40 to drive moisture out of any electrics if ridden in the rain and u get wet electrics
Engine oil - some bikes drink a lot of oil so may need topping up every few 100 miles
Tire pressure - check your tire pressure on a weekly or fortnight basis if u use ur bike to commute.


You shouldn't really need brake fluid as ur brake fluid oil level only really goes below minimum when ur brake pads need replacing, low brake fluid oil = warn pads.

You can never change ur engine oil too many times, but depending on how you ride, you should change it every 1,000-3,000 miles i'd say. I'm sure others will say something else.
You should also service your bike dependant on the service intervals specific for ur bike, it varies for different bikes, but as an example my little 125 needs servicing every 2,500 miles where as a big Honda GL1800 Goldwing needs servicing every 8,000 miles.
For a service have a good look over ur bikes condition and that everything works as it should and replace anything that doesn't ofc. A minimal when servicing ur bike is to replace the air filter, oil filter, engine oil, and spark plug.

Welcome to biking and enjoy!