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Message started by transam4life on 03/22/17 at 13:53:41

Title: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenance
Post by transam4life on 03/22/17 at 13:53:41

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/17 at 14:54:21

2E283B34293B376E36333C3F5A0 wrote:

I am the owner of a 2008 Suzuki S40 that I have owned since 2009. I bought it with 700 miles and now have 13,000. As much I have the itch for something newer (Yamaha FZ-07) I still do love this bike and want to keep it for years to come. Sorry in advance if these questions have been answered before. I did multiple searches but wanted a place where all the info could be answered at once.

So here are my questions.

1. I switched to to rotella synthetic oil at 10k. How long should I run this oil before changing? 3k miles? I used to do it at 2k or once a year before with the regular oil.

If you see it start using oil at a faster rate, it's getting old. Otherwise, why get in a hurry?

2. I have never done a valve adjustment or even checked them in 13k miles. They don't make a noise as far as I can tell. Should I keep this mindset of if it ain't broken don't fix it or should I really be checking?

Unless you're familiar with the sound of loose valves, you'd be ahead to at least check them.

3. How long does the spark plug typically last before it needs replacing? I know in some cars they can go 100k. Are their any plugs recommended or just the factory one?

A spark plug should run a looong time. No reason to not have one in the shop.
Clear the dirt from down around the plug before you pull it.
Antisieze is your friend

4. I replaced the front brake pads at around 8k and changed the fluid. Does the rear brake pretty much last the life of the bike? Mine squeals bad...any fixes?

The tire should be getting worn.. When you have the wheel out, clean the dust out, and if you have a grinder you can taper the leading edges and run a couple of grooves across the faces of the shoes at an angle to shove dust to the outside.

5. How long before the forks need any kind of service?

Barring unforeseen events, it'll last as long as the rest of the bike.

6. Does the belt pretty much last the life of the bike? Just need to check tension?

Yep, but gravel roads will flip rocks on it and punch holes in it and Too Tight will bust them.
Adjusting instructions in Tech section.

7. When should I pull off the clutch case off and inspect the cam chain adjuster? I was thinking around 17,500...is that too long?
Distance Per Trip Average oily s Thought to play a role. But, generally, you start getting over 12,000, it's not a bad idea to look at it and probably install the Verslavy.

8. Do the wheels ever need any special attention...truing or bearing?

Truing? Rarely, bearing, also rare.

9. What is a fair price to pay for a valve adjustment and spark plug change from a private non dealer mechanic?

Why change the plug? Missing?

As long as they will let you watch and see how it is done, whatever you think is reasonable for a One Time expenditure...

10. If I take the bike for a cam chain inspection to a mechanic what do they do? I assume they aren't familiar with the Verslagen1 aftermarket adjuster. Do they just automatically replace the cam chain. How much does that run?

How much does that run?
Call and ask, several places.
Ask if they would install your part.
Some won't.
This is not a technically difficult job.
A place to work and tools will save you Money.
You can buy tools and still save money.

That's all I can think of. Just trying to keep the bike in its best possible shape. I have avoided some of the maintanance checks just because I live in a condo and it's not the easiet place to work on.

Ahh, a condo..
Roll it inside at about 4 a.m...

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by verslagen1 on 03/22/17 at 15:31:47

4543505F42505C055D585754310 wrote:

2. I have never done a valve adjustment or even checked them in 13k miles. They don't make a noise as far as I can tell. Should I keep this mindset of if it ain't broken don't fix it or should I really be checking?
Wear generally makes them tighter... so they could be too tight, hence no noise.
4. I replaced the front brake pads at around 8k and changed the fluid. Does the rear brake pretty much last the life of the bike? Mine squeals bad...any fixes?
Check when you change the tire, but yes can last a long time.
5. How long before the forks need any kind of service?
Keep the seals clean and they may not need service, otherwise when they leak.
6. Does the belt pretty much last the life of the bike? Just need to check tension?
Yes, Yes
7. When should I pull off the clutch case off and inspect the cam chain adjuster? I was thinking around 17,500...is that too long?
long answer see below
8. Do the wheels ever need any special attention...truing or bearing?
Check the bearings for wobble, otherwise no service. Would be good to grease them, but sealed from outside.
10. If I take the bike for a cam chain inspection to a mechanic what do they do? I assume they aren't familiar with the Verslagen1 aftermarket adjuster. Do they just automatically replace the cam chain. How much does that run?
I would assume they will just replace the chain.

You're gonna need to teach your ankles to listen for the dreaded death rattle.
the adjuster will start ovaling the hole and will rattle against the case (most the time) right where your right ankle rests against the case.
When you check it is dependent on how you ride. If you do a lot of short rides (5 to 10) stop and let it cool off, you would've needed to have checked already. 25 miles commutes and I had to check it at 20,000 miles.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/22/17 at 23:11:19

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/22/17 at 23:17:50

Verslagen,

Thanks for the reply as well. I don't use my bike at all for work commuting. It is strictly a toy for me on the weekends...hence the low mileage for its year. With that said I usually ride once or twice a week and go for 1-3 hours when I do. Short rides for me are very rare. Usually its very little stop and go as well...mostly highway in 5th gear going 70-80mph. Is that better for the adjuster?

At what point was your adjuster at 20,000 miles?

Also, lets say I open the clutch case and put in a verslagen cam chain adjuster in at 15,000 miles. I measure the cam chain and there is no major stretch...how will I know when to open it back up to replace the cam chain? Would it be 30,000 miles?

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/22/17 at 23:25:33

3234272835272B722A2F2023460 wrote:

Justin,

Thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions.

Some things to point out.

1. I don't really notice the bike using any oil and its been 2,500 miles since its last change. What mileage would you recommend I change it at with the rotella synthetic?

I dunno how many miles synthetic runs. The Dino starts to disappear once I have about 2,000 miles on it and I'm running hard.

2. Is it safe to assume that the factory spark plug can last up to 25,000 miles?

I don't see why it wouldn't. It's not fouling out, but it does fire at TDC, every time, so, it's got 50,000 miles worth of sparking at 25,000 miles.
Doesn't cost anything to swap, do what pleases you, just clean down by it first.

3. Do valves typically become tighter or looser with wear? Which one is more dangerous?
The 05 flattened out the tip of the adjuster. Always got loose.
The 02 seemed a bit tight at 5,000 miles.
Tight is dangerous. Burn valves.

4. I changed my tires at around 10k miles, but thanks for the tip on the rear brake squeal.

5. I was asking for the prices of the spark and and valve adjustment just out of curiosity. I'm pretty hands on and do all the maintenance myself...just living in a condo is not ideal for motorcycle work.

It's your living room...

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 00:09:08

Something I forgot to ask...does the spark plug need to removed when doing the valve adjustments?

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 00:32:08

If you only have a ratchet to spin the motor, probably be ahead to pull the plug.
A bleaker bar lets you stop the crankshaft at TDC and hold it while the compression escapes through the ring gaps.
Before you declare success and button it up, look at the timing marks.
Be gentle putting the plug back in.
Antisieze is your friend.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 00:32:49

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by eau de sauvage on 03/23/17 at 02:11:01

@Justin...As long as they will let you watch and see how it is done, whatever you think is reasonable for a One Time expenditure...

My mini moke specialist from a long while ago used to have a sign in his garage that said Prices: $40/hour, $60/hour if you watch, $80/hour if you help.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by Dave on 03/23/17 at 05:29:32

The rear brake can squeal when the shoes get dirty and contaminated with rust. When you wash your bike, you can get water inside the brake drum.....when sitting on the side stand the brake drum is leaning downhill, and it will hold water. You should always take the bike out for a ride after you wash the bike to get the water out of the brakes, off the top of the engine, and out of the electrical connectors.

You can take your rear wheel off, clean the inside of the brake drum and get rid of the dirt and rust. Then clean the brake pads, and use sandpaper to clean the embedded dirt/rust off the braking surface of the shoes.....sand until you see a clean surface and get rid of the dark shiny surface. Then clean the drum and shoes with brake cleaner.....and put it back together. While you have it apart check the lever to see that it works smoothly - if it feels stiff take it apart, clean it and grease the shaft before putting it back together.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 07:20:43

Does that brake lock up real easy?

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by verslagen1 on 03/23/17 at 07:46:36

484E5D524F5D510850555A593C0 wrote:

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1192027390

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 07:56:45

76696F6875724373437B69652E1C0 wrote:

This might be a silly question but why would it matter if I'm using a breaker bar or ratchet? Wouldn't I be able to accomplish the same thing with either?

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 08:00:49

5D666B7C6D617A7C676F627D0E0 wrote:

The ironic part is I very rarely wash my bike with actual water. Its usually always covered so I just spray it down by hand with a bike polish just to get the dust off. Its worked great over the years and the finish looks new...zero rust.

Thanks for the tip. I guess it comes down to if the squeal bothers me enough to go through the process of removing the rear wheel. I might just wait until its time again for new tires.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 08:02:43

When you hit TDC the motor will want to spin on over, your ratchet will spin, a breaker bar gives you control.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 08:03:25

27383E3924231222122A38347F4D0 wrote:

Does that brake lock up real easy?

I have locked it up before...but not sure if I would consider it easy. I know when I got my tires changed I had to twist the rear brake adjuster to change the point that the foot lever would engage. It was braking way too soon.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 08:10:46

So, are you adjusting it so that your ankle is extended to the point where you can just barely exert pressure to lock it up?
I don't understand
It was braking to early.
Mine has enough free play to allow the shoes to completely disengage, but the brake is working darn soon after I push down.
The 05 would lock up before I could even feel feedback from the pedal. The 02 has a much better working brake.
I cut grooves in the shoes and ditched about a third of the shoe to drum contact area. It was much better.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by LANCER on 03/23/17 at 08:54:05

When I first got my first Savage I ended up having major surgery not long after so it was not until the following year when I finally got around to checking things on the bike. I was more than a little surprised to find that the forks had NO oil in them. There was just a trace from the factory. It when the dealer pulled the bike from the crate they did not even check to see what the level was. I was not impressed.
So I started checking things more closely and found the wheel bearings were lacking grease as well. Apparently the engine oil was tbe only thing that was checked.
Point is that you need to verify everything from a dealership because you never know if the dude who checked it may very well have been a high school kid who knows nothing or very little about bikes.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 09:18:47

Another random thought...how long does the clutch typically last on this bike?

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by Dave on 03/23/17 at 09:21:36

5A5C4F405D4F431A4247484B2E0 wrote:

Another random thought...how long does the clutch typically last on this bike?

Pretty much forever.....as long as you don't use oils with any Friction Modifiers. Avoid any oil that says it is "fuel saving" or "energy efficient".

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 13:39:02

7E6167607D7A4B7B4B73616D26140 wrote:

The brake was engaging too quick...literally a half inch push of the foot brake would stop the bike. I set it so that the foot lever has to travel more before it engages now.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by transam4life on 03/23/17 at 13:40:22

From the looks of it...this bike is pretty bulletproof. Sounds like as long as I keep up with the oil changes I should be good. I need to check the valves soon and also the cam chain adjuster.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by gizzo on 03/23/17 at 15:16:37

I'd change the fork oil now and again. Each couple of years is good enough for me. New oil does make the fork action nicer. You need to unscrew the cap on top of the leg, pull the fork legs out and invert the fork to pour the oil out. Pour the measured amount of new oil in the fork leg, put the leg back in the bike, screw the cap on and done.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/23/17 at 15:49:30

I've never done that. I guess I'll give that a shot.

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by philthymike on 03/23/17 at 15:53:01

Yes check the valves sooner than later. And try to get in the habit of either performing or going to the mechanic for regular service intervals. Even if you feel the bike is fine do it anyway because
1. You never know
2. You'll have the receipts if and when you sell the bike. Good to shut down hagglers.
3. Be safer than sorry!

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by piedmontbuckeye on 03/25/17 at 08:10:15

I've got to say, this thread is one of the most profitable I have read since joining this forum! Very informative, and it didn't degenerate into attacks and innuendo. Great questions! and GREAT responses and advice!!

Very helpful - even for more of those who are already experienced with the S40!

Thank you all!!!

Title: Re: Some in depth questions on scheduled maintenan
Post by verslagen1 on 03/25/17 at 08:17:26

at least until now... :-?