For the Do-It-Yourself mechanic...

[Roaring_Lion]

Greetings everyone,

When you purchase a used bike, what should you do (service wise) aside from regular tune-ups? The reason for my question is that since I can't ride it for the rest of the season, I might as well take the time to get the bike ready for next season. I have the service manual, but I am not sure where to start, or what to do first.

'90 Suzuki Katana

40,000kms

I plan to service the bike myself, through and through, so if there are any hints and tips you can share, please feel free.

MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

[coyo]

Greetings everyone,

When you purchase a used bike, what should you do (service wise) aside from regular tune-ups?

EVERYTHING! I don't trust shops with my bike (unless I have to because I don't have the tools... and then I'm very picky).

I have the service manual, but I am not sure where to start, or what to do first.

Take a look through the manual and see what tools you'll need to do routine stuff to the bike, then go out and start buying them. As for what you should do to the bike, in the manual will be service intervals... over the winter do AT LEAST EVERYTHING that is suggested for up to your bike's 40,000kms. You don't know what's been done to it prior to you getting it, might as well make sure it was all done right and if not, fix it.

[Roaring_Lion]

EVERYTHING! I don't trust shops with my bike (unless I have to because I don't have the tools... and then I'm very picky).

+1...'cuz I used to work for a Chevrolet dealership and made a vow never to bring anything to a dealer or shop for that matter. If I have to, I MUST oversee the work being done. There are a lot of sneaky people out there.

ANYWAY..

THANKS! IT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE, BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT HAS FROM WHAT HASN'T BEEN DONE, AND YOU DON'T WANT TO GUESS ABOUT ANYTHING REGARDING YOUR RIDE.

THANKS AGAIN!

LION

[Bruzza]

You may want to check out katriders.com. It's a Katana specific website, and there's a lot of knowledge shared there.

Cheers,
Chris

[Raphy]

I'd do things such as oil change, valve clearance, and a carb synch....and replace chain/sprockets if they haven't been replaced...

[Car2Slo]

Seriously though, when I pick up a new to me ride I usually do the following;

- Oil change (don't know how old it is)
- Coolant change (may be diluted or replaced with water)
- Change brake fluid (could be old)
- change pads if needed
- wash and wax body work
- adjust chain to right tension

enjoy

[tat2]

Definatly hit up katriders.com

aslo in addition to Ralphys list

air filter
spark plugs
brake fluid (front & rear)
brake pads
fork oil & maybe springs
vacume & fuel hoses

[Caboose87]

Might as well check the play with the throttle and clutch too...