First service after buying used...

[Kris]

Rightio, after eventually selling the ninja and getting a 1999 Bandit (16K miles on the clock) to hopefully use and abuse everyday I was wondering - what's the best things to do to before I get round to using it? Obviously in an ideal world I'd check and replace everything that wasn't 100% but life never works like that so I'll still be on a limited budget.

I've already got the oil & filter sitting at home ready to do this weekend - that one was a no-brainer. I'm really after a list of importance for the other things to check and replace.

Anyone?
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[Robin]

BRAKES, always the first thing I check on a new (to me) bike.

After that the usual bits like tyres, all the relevant bearings. New set of spark plugs and oil all the cables. Have a good look at the wiring for any dodgy conections or coroded fastners.

Basically go round it and give it an MOT style check, then start thinking about all the things that might go wrong, I always assume that the previous owner was a complete numpty with no mechanical knowledge at all, and this includes when I've bought bikes from friends

[Kickstart]

Hi

Valves would probably be the best thing to check. Also see if you can get the pad locating pins out of the rear caliper, then reassemble with some copper grease on the pins. Balance the carbs (if you have some vacuum gauges).

Other things to do would be adjust steering head bearings, strip and grease the rear suspension linkages, lube all the locks, bleed the brakes, change the air filter, change the spark plugs, replace the fork oil, etc.

If you can remove them easily I would be tempted to take out the bolts holding the exhaust to the head and and put them back in with some copper slip on them.

All the best

Keith
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