KX Riders
General => Riding Tips & Tricks => Topic started by: Jeeks on March 09, 2007, 03:08:50 AM
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After receiving my new/used 250, I went over it with a fine toothed comb and found a few problems that could lead to serious problems down the road. Here's a list of items I check before and after every ride. Feel free to add comments, you can never know everything.
Pre-Ride
1. Release fork tube pressure.
2. Check tire pressure.
3. Check brake & clutch levers.
4. Top off fuel.
5. Turn fuel on and lean bike over to fill carb.
6. Give 2-3 slow primer kicks before starting engine.
7. Let bike warm up for 4-5 min.
8. Double check your fanny pack.
Post-Ride
1. Completely clean bike. I use small toothbrushes to get all around the hubs and engine. While cleaning I look for loose bolts and hardware. I never use a pressure washer! This can rip off your graphics and/or damage any oil seals and bearings!!!
2. Lube lever pivots, rear brake pivot, kicker pivot (if it needs it), and chain.
3. While cleaning the wheels, lightly tap on each spoke with a spoke wrench. You should hear a slight ring. If it sounds dull, tighten the nipple in 1/8 increments. I also check brake pad wear.
4. Check chain tension.
5. Pull plug and replace if needed.
6. Check water level, oil level, brake fluid level. Check suspension for signs of any leaks.
7. Check tire pressure. While the bike is on the stand check for play in the wheel bearings.
8. I wipe on WD to all the bare metal surfaces, this prevents rust and mud stains down the road. Makes it alot easier to clean your bike after the next ride, too. If you ride in muddy conditions, you can spray WD under your fenders, this will help with mud build-up.
8a. Clean your air filter. Apply a small coat of grease around the flange to seal the filter to the airbox. (Thx Cam)
9. Sit back with a vodka tonic and look at my shiny ride. :-D
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Jeeks,
That is a excellent list (missed the air filter). I feel guilty but I don't do quite that much between rides. Generally a garden hose rinse, air filter, fuel and keeping the chain clean and well lubed. I also look at my plug once a season. Good List. Cam.
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(missed the air filter).
8a, Cam. How did I forget that, LOL.
My 250 had a spoke completely loose from the nipple, about 15 loose spokes, the perches were too tight, chain too loose, loose hardware on the silencer, the forks must have never been bled and the kicker was about to fall off.
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a good quality level for me to strive for, but I'm usually so BEAT DOWN...when I get back from riding I can barely get the bike into the garage...pathetic I know
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a good quality level for me to strive for, but I'm usually so BEAT DOWN...when I get back from riding I can barely get the bike into the garage...pathetic I know
Mad Kaw, I know how you feel, but I have a son that rides with me and I'm pretty sure I can make him understand the list. 40+ rider and that ain't miles!!!!
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One other thing I do is, stretch while the bike is warming up.
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Not a pre, or post ride thing, but I do it Often, and that is to check ALL the fasteners on my bike. You'd be surprised how many nuts / bolts and screws that come loose after 1 or 2 rides, plus I safety wire where ever I can, just a habbit from my roadrace days I guess.. :-D
I'm guilty of not cleaning my air filter as often as I should though...
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It's funny you should say that. While cleaning my bike last weekend, I noticed the rear sprocket was loose. :-o The caked on mud was keeping it from rattling around.
The main fasteners I check are the kick starter bolts, rear brake lever, calipers and suspension.
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242 or 271 loc-tite works great.
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I'm guilty of not cleaning my air filter as often as I should though...
I just ordered some no toil oil filters with hopes that it will get me to clean and change more often. Having two allows you to hopefully have a clean one laying around. Anyone have any experience with them? I just hate all the crap involved with cleaning. May as well be changing the oil in your car.
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I don't use the No Toil filters but I do use the No Toil filter oil and cleaner and it's the best thing ever for cleaning filters. I clean mine in the kitchen sink and wife doesn't mind.
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I don't use the No Toil filters but I do use the No Toil filter oil and cleaner and it's the best thing ever for cleaning filters. I clean mine in the kitchen sink and wife doesn't mind.
Have you tried washing them in the washing machine? They have directions for it and that would just kick ass if it did'nt degrade the integrity of the filter.