Re: Maintenance Alert

["Clive Liddell" <cliddell@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,
I'm sure there's a correlation between the anal "over maintainers" and those
who complain that BMWs are maintenance intensive...

I seem to just do the stuff as per manufacturer and the rest of the 9999 km,
apart from riding, I walk round the bikes looking for something to "do".
Things I "do": Check oil level - boring always OK, check clutch play -
boring always OK, check brake pad wear (small mirror) and fluid - boring
mostly OK, check tread wear - aha, at last something that changes :)

Regards
Clive Liddell
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
'96 R850R   70k.km
'01 R1100RT 40k.km

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Hadden <kbhadden@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: BMW BMW Oilhead List <oilheads@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 2:48 AM
Subject: Maintenance Alert


> Most of us in the snow belt are getting bikes ready for the upcoming
> riding season.  I have nearly completed my spline lube job, which also
> included greasing up the starter motor and replacing the speedo cable.
> But there are several other items that many bikers skip due to lack of
> knowledge.  Here are a couple that come to mind:
>
> 1 - Don't forget to change to summer air in your tires.
> 2 - Also, the battery needs new water each year.  Pour the old out and
> flush with the hose before adding a new charge of water.
> 3 - To get the motor ready for the demands of summer, be sure to run
> the engine for 30 seconds each week for the month before you put her on
> the road.
> 4 - Use a pressure washer to get all the dust out of the wheel bearings.
> 5 - Same for the throttle cables and clutch cable.  Get the hose right
> up close to the cable.  Remember, dust is our enemy.
> 6 - The inside of the cat converter and muffler need special attention
> from the concerned biker.  I use acetone to get all the grease residue
> out of the cat before the first start up of the season.
> 7 - WD40 is our friend.  I use it on the seat to protect the vinyl from
> the damaging summer sun.  It also works well to keep your riding boots
> water proof.
> 8 - Use chain lube in the pressure can to lubricate the pivots on the
> rear view mirrors.  Works great.
> 9 - We are supposed to change the brake fluid every year.  I get extra
> mileage out of mine by mixing the old brake fluid with the transmission
> oil.  Makes for easier shifts under load.
> 10 - When putting in new brake fluid, be sure to shake the can fully
> before pouring into the master cylinder.
>
> That's it for today
>
> Bob Hadden '98RS

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End of oilheads-digest V1 #120
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