Tips on Bike Maintenance

RedlineSi · 06-13-2008, 04:01 PM

I got my motorcycle license 6 years ago when I took my MSF course. Never got a bike due to being in college and insurance was just too much. I now have a career, and believe I am going to purchase a used sv650 here very soon. I was just wondering if someone could go over basic maintenance that needs to be done. I've never owned a bike, but I am pretty handy with cars. Not a mechanic by any means, but I can do some basic things.

Thanks!

Skoalbasher · 06-13-2008, 04:13 PM

Buy a manual for the bike. I purchased a haynes manual and it's awesome. Tells you everything you need to know.

Black Snowman · 06-13-2008, 05:41 PM

I prefer Clymers to the Haynes but sometimes one misses something that the other catches so it can be nice to have both. Factory maintenance manuals can be good to if you can get one on the cheap. Even the owners manuals can have quite a bit of information these days.

Vinimack720 · 06-13-2008, 11:58 PM

Get a factory service manual. Much better than the haynes ones. and if you have a decently popular bike you will be able to find a downloadable one for free.

YAM93 · 06-14-2008, 12:22 AM

Join a Suzuki forum and ask SV650 riders. Or ask some of the guys on this website about their SV650's in the Suzuki section. You should figure on adjusting your own chain (and lubricating, use Maxima Chain Guard is best) and changing the oil and filter at least. Use Spectro Golden 4 oil if you can afford it, if not, they also make a standard oil that's not semi-synthetic, but still has really great properties. I've used both.

It's usually good to replace fork oil also, but I usually let the shop do that, specialized tools etc.

Get some metric wrenches / sockets if you don't already have some. I got a set of stubby metric wrenches with ratcheting box-ends last year, they help a lot. Oh yeah, get a nice torque wrench, Sears carries these, although they are not cheap. A good torque wrench can last forever though.

Also be sure to get all the "gear" you can possibly afford, helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots. Look into Teknic for affordable quality leathers with CE armor protection. ICON makes some nice stuff too, even Joe Rocket is pretty good. Don't skimp on the gloves, get the best you can afford. Check out Scorpion helmets if you get a chance.

kbt · 06-14-2008, 02:23 AM

Maybe this could be helpful.

www.sv650.org - Suzuki SV650 / SV650S web - FAQ

Skoalbasher · 06-14-2008, 10:28 AM

I just say Haynes because I couldn't find anything else.

redgar · 06-14-2008, 11:22 AM

I have the service manuel for my bike. I actually printed it from this site for zzr600's and it has everything you need. I hear its what mechanics use and it even breaks down how to service every part of you bike.
The crappy part, for me anyway, is learning the lingo and he bike parts. And the measurments. Anyway, with no mechanical experience at all, I've been able to adjust the inside of the gearshift levers(forgot the part name) after I moved them to fit comfortably and change my oil/oil filter. Working on learning to do more though.
So whatever kind of bike your getting, go to the that bike forum on this site, and somebody may have put it on here for you to print.