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Maintenance Questions
| Question 1: What should I do to store my bike? |
(I don't recall where I got this article, but it is pretty good!)
When you have to leave your Motorcycle unridden for a period of time, it is advisable to take some steps to insure that it doesn't deteriorate during the down time. As a motorcycle mechanic, I can tell you that big bucks are spent on bikes that have been improperly stored. Below is a list of common sense things to do to your bike and hopefully will save you some repair bills. This is a rather simplified version, but it will give you somewhere to start.
The Fuel
The gas in the tank should be either drained totally or filled totally. If drained, spray some WD40 to help prevent rust buildup in the tank. I personally prefer to fill the tank up to the brim so no air is in the tank at all. A gas stabilizer would be a consideration at this point. Drain the carb., or carbs, of all fuel because such a small amount of gas will go bad very quickly. There is a small screw at the very bottom of the carb bowl, usually angled to the side so you can get at it with a long screwdriver. You just have to loosen it, not remove it. Fuel will drain onto the ground so have a rag handy. Make sure that the petcock is not on "prime" position. Tighten the screw up after the gas stops flowing out.
The Wheels
It is best to have both wheels elevated slightly so that the weight of the bike is not on them. There are stands available that support the bike at the rear axle. Most shops have them in stock or can get them.
The Oil
The oil should be changed just prior to storage so that the acids trapped in the oil from running it, won't eat away at your precious bearing surfaces during the down time. The oil could also be changed prior to riding again, although some might think this not required. Getting the old oil out is the main point here.
The Cylinders and Spark Plugs
The time honored tradition of removing the spark plugs and squirting some oil down the cylinders may be followed and will prevent rust build up on steel parts in that part of the motor. The newer method, called "fogging" probably disperses the oil to a wider area internally. Fogging is applied through the air box with an aerosol spray, the running motor pulls the spray into the motor. That's why new spark plugs are installed in the spring.
Once stored do NOT start the bike!!
| Question 2: How do I tell if my chain is worn out? |
With the bike fairly straight and the motor OFF, grasp the chain at the furthest point rearward and try to pull it backwards - off of the sprocket. If there is enough movement that you can see 1/4 of the sprocket tooth (looking at it from the side), then it is time. Basically, this is a quick way to determine if the chain has stretched. If it did, then it will pull backward. Tightening or Loosening the chain does not affect this measurement.
MORE TO COME!!