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Cleaning & Lubing - Basic Maintenance

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:22 pm
by grantwils
As the new toy has been well looked after (not noticed anything to suggest otherwise yet) I'm looking continuing the previous owner's regime of cleaning and basic maintenance.

I've found two articles on MCN regarding cleaning and lubing the bike to make sure it stays in tip top condition.

Cleaning Your Bike
Lubing Your Bike

I'm sure this has been discussed before but what do you guys do when you clean your bike and what do you think of the advice in the above articles?

Any hints or tips? I'm talking about a major clean job to get it looking showroom shiny not a quick rinse after a run.

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:03 pm
by tintin
If you keep up these routines you'd be doing pretty well.

Couple of things to add. You need to keep a check on oil, brake fluid level, chain adjustment and tyre pressures too. I do these every time the bike gets washed (which is after every run unless it's absolutely impossible for some reason).

It's also much easier to clean your chain if you do it immediately after a run. (on a paddock stand, clean rag with 3 in 1 to scrub the crap off the chain and sprockets, then spray lube (I can't believe it's not butter!)).

I only do the fairing strip down in the winter and usually clean up the brake pistons then too.

Once clean & dry, keep it in an alarmed, heated fortress, with soothing background music and a nice Chardonnay.

Final word of advice. Don't get into a discussion with your wife/girl about the time & expense you put into maintaining your 'ride'. It'll only end in tears ;)

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:07 pm
by Toonser
.

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:09 pm
by tintin
Toonser wrote:
Or another blast just to show her who's boss :I can't believe it's not butter!
That's funny, my key worked ok this morning..

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 10:54 pm
by Hagar
tintin wrote:
Toonser wrote:
Or another blast just to show her who's boss :I can't believe it's not butter!
That's funny, my key worked ok this morning..
Now is that in the door or ignition :??? :P

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:44 am
by phatkat
tintin wrote: Once clean & dry, keep it in an alarmed, heated fortress, with soothing background music and a nice Chardonnay.
:2up :I can't believe it's not butter!

I would have thought some AC/DC and ZZ top and possibly a bottle of Newcastle Brown woud be better suited... ;)

Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:31 am
by McWullie
Thanks for the info Grant thats good information!! :2up