BIKE BASICS 101

DAILY AND BEFORE RIDING

Many of us are guilty of jumping on our bikes and riding away without really looking over the bike first. Do you have an owner’s manual? If not, go to your dealer and get one, read it and carry it with you on your bike or have it in a convenient place. I like to use the acronym:

Take: THROTTLE
Time: TIRES
Look: LIGHTS
Before: BRAKES
Failure: FUEL
Occurs: OIL

THROTTLE - Check for smooth operation

TIRES - Check for damage, tread wear, foreign objects and correct tire pressure. Proper tire pressure is the single best thing you can do to get the most out of your tires.

LIGHTS - Check for proper operation of headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, indicator lights & horn

BRAKES - Check operation of both brakes and look for fluid leaks

FUEL - Check fuel level and look for leaks

OIL - Check engine oil level (Most manufacturers recommend checking oil level after engine is warm. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended grade of oil for your bike)

QUESTION & ANSWER FYI

BATTERY? If your battery is more than 2 years old you should consider having it replaced, weak batteries tend to leave folks stranded. Weak batteries also overwork the charging system.

NOISE? What should I do if I suspect a mechanical problem? You know your bike better than anyone, if you think there is a problem, there probably is. Stop riding and have your bike checked by a qualified tech.

REGULAR SERVICE? What is done at service intervals? Each manufacturer publishes the maintenance schedule recommended for each bike. A simple oil and filter change does not constitute a service.

SYN or not to SYN? What is the best oil to use and should I switch to synthetic oil? In a nut shell synthetic oil is simply a better lubricant. This is not just the opinion of Skunk Work but the result of years of testing by engine/oil manufacturers and independent labs. In almost all cases, a drop in engine temperature occurs with synthetic oil. In any case it is more important that you change your oil and filter regularly than the brand of oil you choose.

Will using synthetic oil void my warranty? No, it will not but always keep a record of when the oil changes were done and other services that were performed.

STUFF? What items should you consider carrying with you on your bike?

• Tool kit - Screwdriver, Pliers, Allen wrenches/Torx wrenches, Small flashlight
• Extra fuses - usually found in the fuse box on your motorcycle
• Flat tire kit
• Bungee cords
• Emergency phone numbers
• Extra quart of oil
• Sun screen

On longer trips consider putting together a pre-ride checklist.


Source: http://www.azbig.com