What's your most neglected maintenance item on your motorcycle?

Brian P said:
Fork and shock maintenance.

You're supposed to change the oil every couple of years. I do that when they stop working.
Click to expand...
I feel seen, as the kids say.

When the suspension guy makes a lot of complaining noises about how stinky the oil was, you know you left it too long.

Speaking of which, the Guzzi is now 8 years old, and I'm certain the only time the suspension has been touched from the factory was when I messed with the settings after I bought it. Now the only question is whether to rebuild or replace like I did with the Aprilia.

Next year, I'm sure...
 
Me.
 
adri said:
Literally my first customer since posting this:

View attachment 75112

Lever goes all the way to the grip.
Fork seal was leaky too.
Click to expand...
Brakes are for p*ssies. Full send, baby!

(Oh and if you do your wheelies right, you replace your fork seals when you replace your oil...)
 
Definitely brake fluid but I've never kept a bike for more than 3 years. 8 out of 10 times I buy a new motorcycle when my tires wear out too.
 
adri said:
My customers are allergic to changing their brake fluid every two years... Not surprised to see no one has mentioned that, everyone forgets about it lol
Click to expand...
I’m not religious about that. Break fluid lives in a a closed system can last a long time - I change it when I feel a drop in brake performance. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bike that had water entrainment into a perfectly functioning brake system.

My FJR went 10 years before I did a change, did it just because, there was no difference after the change.

Maybe we need a myth busters in this one.
 
Mad Mike said:
I’m not religious about that. Break fluid lives in a a closed system can last a long time - I change it when I feel a drop in brake performance. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bike that had water entrainment into a perfectly functioning brake system.

My FJR went 10 years before I did a change, did it just because, there was no difference after the change.

Maybe we need a myth busters in this one.
Click to expand...
It's the dark brake fluid staring at me through the sight glass that guilts me into changing it.
 
There is nothing like the feel of new brake fluid in the morning and cleaned brake callipers.

Ranks up there with new rubber.

Change mine at least every 2 years or sooner especially if doing a big ride
 
When I got my street bike (16), I was the first in the family to have chain drive, all 5 other bikes were shaft. Sooo naturally never once lubed my chain until Kyle came into my life 2 years later 😅 I had no idea, was just happy to ride my bike. Now I know better.
 
Mad Mike said:
I change it when I feel a drop in brake performance.
Click to expand...

Wives don't get fat overnight, and brake fluid doesn't go bad over night either. The reason why it's dangerous - other than the fact, you know, it stops you from becoming a blood splatter stain - is that changes from brake fluid degrading happen so gradually, that as long as you're riding the bike regularly, you don't feel the changes happening. What feels "normal" to you is adapting as the bike changes.

Remember, things can be functioning 95% optimally, but at even just 3-4% off, your brake fluid should be changed.

Maybe you have some kind of hand of magic hand of God, but I'm not sure I do. Motorcycling is unforgiving of careless stupid mistakes, so I'd rather tuck my tail and play it safe, than be arrogant and tell myself I'm immune to risks. It's like $9 a bottle, and 5 minutes of time, and I can usually do multiple bikes with that bottle. I'll be damned if I'm going to be a stain on the road because I was too stupid or too stubborn to spend $9 and five friggen minutes lol
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom