Author Topic: NOOB mechanic work (Read 16004 times)

ropjohns · « **on:** November 04, 2013, 09:46:20 AM »

So, as the title states, I have a mechanic experience level of 0. I have never, repeat never, done so much as changed oil on any vehicle. Well, at 33 years of age, that is all going to change. I realize I enjoy working on my motorcycle ( as far as installing stuff on it), and I realize there are absolutely no competent motorcycle mechanics in a 50 mile radius from where I live. These 2 factors have tempted me to learn everything I can about doing everything I pay people to do on my own. I would appreciate any help anyone is willing to give to a noob, and will accept the laughter that comes along with it. Everybody has to learn somewhere...

With that said, my 7500 mile service is upon me, and I will be changing the oil and filter, final gear case oil and gasket(?), and spark plug. The manual is fairly informative, except where do I find the spark plug? Also, to get all these supplies, should I just go to my local motorcycle dealership and they will all be obviously right there?

I'm starting to build up a better tool collection (better late then never), and what's the opinion on how important getting the exact right torque is? So far I've been hand tightening what I need to, even when torque wrench values are given. Stupid, or acceptable? I guess I need a torque wrench in the collection anyway right?

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #1 on:** November 04, 2013, 10:22:06 AM »

Up to you but hand tighten is all I do for the filter. Leave the plugs alone unless you're a masochist. I didn't get mine changed until abou 55k and they still looked ok.

Rhino · « **Reply #2 on:** November 04, 2013, 11:12:47 AM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 04, 2013, 10:22:06 AM

Up to you but hand tighten is all I do for the filter. Leave the plugs alone unless you're a masochist. I didn't get mine changed until abou 55k and they still looked ok.

+1 Changed mine at about 30,000 and they didn't need it. Iridium plugs last a long time and it is a PITA to get to them. Nobody seems to know why Kawi put a ridiculously short 7500 mile change recommendation. Maybe they own a lot of stock in NGK.

stevewfl · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2013, 11:37:40 AM »

Quote from: ropjohns on November 04, 2013, 09:46:20 AM

So, as the title states, I have a mechanic experience level of 0. I have never, repeat never, done so much as changed oil on any vehicle. Well, at 33 years of age, that is all going to change. I realize I enjoy working on my motorcycle ( as far as installing stuff on it), and I realize there are absolutely no competent motorcycle mechanics in a 50 mile radius from where I live. These 2 factors have tempted me to learn everything I can about doing everything I pay people to do on my own. I would appreciate any help anyone is willing to give to a noob, and will accept the laughter that comes along with it. Everybody has to learn somewhere...

With that said, my 7500 mile service is upon me, and I will be changing the oil and filter, final gear case oil and gasket(?), and spark plug. The manual is fairly informative, except where do I find the spark plug? Also, to get all these supplies, should I just go to my local motorcycle dealership and they will all be obviously right there?

I'm starting to build up a better tool collection (better late then never), and what's the opinion on how important getting the exact right torque is? So far I've been hand tightening what I need to, even when torque wrench values are given. Stupid, or acceptable? I guess I need a torque wrench in the collection anyway right?

I haven't messed with that gasket ever, and I'm at 80,000 miles on my 2010. Spark plugs I changed at 50,000 even though they didn't need it.

Rhino · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2013, 11:43:51 AM »

Gasket on the final drive? Haven't changed the washer on the drain or the O ring on the filler. Not a single drop of oil has leaked.

jirod · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2013, 12:06:12 PM »

Quote from: ropjohns on November 04, 2013, 09:46:20 AM

I'm starting to build up a better tool collection (better late then never), and what's the opinion on how important getting the exact right torque is? So far I've been hand tightening what I need to, even when torque wrench values are given. Stupid, or acceptable? I guess I need a torque wrench in the collection anyway right?

Add three torque wrenches with 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drives to your collection. They don't need to be expensive. Fastener torque is critical, especially if one doesn't have mechanical experience.

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 04, 2013, 12:34:27 PM »

Get a set of these. They help a lot.

http://www.angelridevideos.com/concours.html

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #7 on:** November 04, 2013, 01:28:47 PM »

Quote from: Rhino on November 04, 2013, 11:43:51 AM

Gasket on the final drive? Haven't changed the washer on the drain or the O ring on the filler. Not a single drop of oil has leaked.

+1. I guess we're living dangerously.

Tim · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2013, 04:20:34 PM »

Quote from: Rhino on November 04, 2013, 11:43:51 AM

Gasket on the final drive? Haven't changed the washer on the drain or the O ring on the filler. Not a single drop of oil has leaked.

I have changed the "gasket" on the drain which is really a metal washer. I picked up both the oil drain and the final drive washers. I replaced then a couple of times and I'll be danged if I know where they went. So far no leaks.

MrPepsi · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2013, 04:45:59 PM »

Quote from: mvjr1904 on November 04, 2013, 12:34:27 PM

Get a set of these. They help a lot.

http://www.angelridevideos.com/concours.html

This, and lots of tools.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2013, 06:05:34 PM »

And beer.

ZG · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2013, 06:39:03 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 04, 2013, 06:05:34 PM

And beer.

A given...

Rhino · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2013, 07:17:53 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 04, 2013, 06:05:34 PM

And beer.

+2

pistole · « **Reply #13 on:** November 04, 2013, 07:38:09 PM »

personal experience , too much beer slows down the work by a fair margin !!

.

ZG · « **Reply #14 on:** November 04, 2013, 08:01:30 PM »

Quote from: pistole on November 04, 2013, 07:38:09 PM

personal experience , too much beer slows down the work by a fair margin !!

.

and...

$:-\$

kwakrider · « **Reply #15 on:** November 04, 2013, 11:50:08 PM »

Quote from: ZG on November 04, 2013, 08:01:30 PM

and... $:-\$

Beer definately helped the maintenance I done this weekend...definately!!

Lost/dropped a bolt during the filter sock replacement...would have greatly inconvenienced myself looking for it...but instead sat there contemplating the joy of a good beer, when lo and behold my eye spotted the offending bolt which had attempted to crawl under the bike stand and avoid detection!! See? Beer is GOOD!!!!

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 04, 2013, 11:54:40 PM »

Beer improves your vision?? Another benefit of beer!

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2013, 03:28:14 AM »

I must drink more beer, then!

Conrad · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2013, 04:51:27 AM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 05, 2013, 03:28:14 AM

I must drink more beer, then!

I'll drink to that!

Conrad · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2013, 04:54:32 AM »

Quote from: ropjohns on November 04, 2013, 09:46:20 AM

So, as the title states, I have a mechanic experience level of 0. I have never, repeat never, done so much as changed oil on any vehicle. Well, at 33 years of age, that is all going to change. I realize I enjoy working on my motorcycle ( as far as installing stuff on it), and I realize there are absolutely no competent motorcycle mechanics in a 50 mile radius from where I live. These 2 factors have tempted me to learn everything I can about doing everything I pay people to do on my own. I would appreciate any help anyone is willing to give to a noob, and will accept the laughter that comes along with it. Everybody has to learn somewhere...

With that said, my 7500 mile service is upon me, and I will be changing the oil and filter, final gear case oil and gasket(?), and spark plug. The manual is fairly informative, except where do I find the spark plug? Also, to get all these supplies, should I just go to my local motorcycle dealership and they will all be obviously right there?

I'm starting to build up a better tool collection (better late then never), and what's the opinion on how important getting the exact right torque is? So far I've been hand tightening what I need to, even when torque wrench values are given. Stupid, or acceptable? I guess I need a torque wrench in the collection anyway right?

Changing the oils of this bike is a piece of cake! Just take your time. When you do the oil for the rear drive be SURE to remove the oil filler plug first. Some folks have had problems removing that plug and you don't want to drain the rear drive oil if you can't refill it cuz the filler plug is stuck.

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Author Topic: NOOB mechanic work (Read 16004 times)

jirod