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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> What to do for a used bike
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Message started by xuqiang_liao on 10/13/06 at 10:04:31

Title: What to do for a used bike
Post by xuqiang_liao on 10/13/06 at 10:04:31

I am going to pike up my first bike next week. I know the bike has not been used for years and the battery is weak. Other than charging the battery, what should I do. I think I should change the oil. What else.

Regards,

Xuqiang

Title: Re: What to do for a used bike
Post by vroom1776 on 10/13/06 at 10:30:49

clean out the carb, new spark plug, fresh gas. prolly need new tires. change the brake fluid.

Title: Re: What to do for a used bike
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/13/06 at 10:31:55

And if the battery isn't sealed, check the levels and refill with distilled water if needed... before charging it.

Title: Re: What to do for a used bike
Post by Brewbrother on 10/13/06 at 18:49:28

First on my list would be a new battery and a charger. Then change fluids and inspect the tires and barakes for wear and or dry rot( hairline cracks). Then its a matter of getting the bike running and then creating a starting point for PMS. that would include fresh fuel, fresh air filter new plug and perhaps a carb cleaning. Good luck ask many questions. Someone will know the anwser.

Title: Re: What to do for a used bike
Post by georgekathe on 10/15/06 at 16:12:52

I agree with everything others have said - here are my expansions/recommendations on their entries -

for the price of a OEM air filter you can almost get a K & N slot in filter allowing the bike to "breath" more. when you buy a new plug might want to spring the extra few $$ for an iridium one - many use them. when you buy a battery get a sealed maintenance free one (there are links on this site to find out source/type).

tires are again an item best replaced with non OEM ones - much better grip/safer. Metzlers are the best but a bit pricey - Dunlop are good but not so much $$.

if you are changing the brake fluid (really good idea) may want to replace the old brake line (they should be replaced every 4 years per Clymers but doubt everyone does that often) with steel brake line - get better feel/braking power - see technical posting I did on how to do this & a great source.

when you change the oil don't forget a new filter & a new gasket for drain plug (replace every time).

if you need to replace brakes here is another place you can spend no more than for the OEM product & get a much better one, improving the brakes. I use EBC ones.

you can get all of the above online (save $$) - buy several oil filters & drain plug gaskets @ once to save on shipping.

smart move buying the Clymers (some prefer the Suzuki Workshop Manual) already. That & this site will really help you get the bike running like a top, or at least like the good motorcycle that is the Savage!