[Ey3l45h]

Title basically says it. What would you say are 10 motorcycle related tasks that every motorcycle owner *should* be able to complete?

Bonus points for how-tos or links to how-tos.

I would prefer it if this can be kept mostly civil. If you feel you must be uncivil... Please be entertaining about it.

Ey3

 

[Jperez]

Texting while riding of course. Till then, you're not a true rider.

Bonus points if you can do that in the rain.

 

[SFJeff]

Change your own spark plugs... that task made me a man.

 

[iLean2much]

Oil + Filter change.

Either not done regularly enough or brought in to mechanic/dealer. Same with cars. Just annoying to me since I believe in oil is the cheapest maintenance and shouldn't be skimped on and I wanna know what kind of oil has been put in.

 

[RedAndBlack]

taking your own tires off. Most mechanics will cut their tire changes in half if you bring them just your tires. Of course you need stands for this.

And then if you can get front tire off, you can practically get the front forks off as well and same applies, fork service will be cheaper for you if it's off the bike.

 

[Foster]

Proper chain maintenance. I know a lot of people who never touch a chain after it's on their bike.

 

[lance22me]

- Never ride on the same bike with another guy
- The wave

 

[dhorcher]

I'd say chain maintenance as well including the know how to adjust it to proper tension. Also oil and filter change, do it your self save the money.

 

[riverszzr]

Here is what every motorcycle rider should know how to do;

Get a second job so you have the funds needed to really enjoy/maintain your toy! Or pimp up your boss for a significant raise is a better options.- no extra work hours...

Of course that requires you to be productive and valuable, and I know that is a stretch for much of America
1) put on all the gear all the time, and gear that fits properly
2) approach motorcycle without knocking it over
3) self inspection of brake pads, tires, chain, general condition, oil level etc...(service intervals, know when things are due)
4) mount the motorcycle without knocking it over
5) Know what motorcycle you actually have
6) know where the key goes and how to properly start it
7) know how to ride well
8) practice your riding skills and panic stops/maneuvers til perfection and second nature
9) ride within your own limits and that of conditions
10) know who your mechanic is and bring him pepsi and cookies or donuts...It makes him feel better and more likely to give you more time

I am half fucking with you...

 

[Ey3l45h]

10) know who your mechanic is and bring him pepsi and cookies or donuts...It makes him feel better and more likely to give you more time

Pm me an address. I would consider sending Pepsi and cookies a cheap price for the time you have spent helping me.

Ey3

 

[riverszzr]

lol... ^

 

[2y4life]

1. Check fluid levels
2. Top of fluids
3. Check tire pressure
4. Change oil and oil filter
5. Check/change air filter
6. Clean and lube chain
7. Adjust chain
8. Check/adjust idle
9. Check/change brake pads
10. Wash/clean bike

PS, these are all the things I know how so there is no reason for anyone to to be able to do the following since I am mechanically challenged. The most basic of maintenance things we should all be able to do or learn fairly easily

 

[MistressOfMayhem]

Basic First Aid, and CPR.

 

[jonahueiii]

Here's my .02
I think anyone that owns a bike should be familiar with their bike!
1. Know how to remove and install all the fairings without breaking them
2. Check/replenish/change fluids
3. Check/replace light bulbs
4. Own a torque wrench!! And other tools (correct tools for the job...)
5. Remove/reinstall wheels
6. Chain maintenance
7. Check/replace spark plugs
8. Ride responsibly, as in proper equipment and within your limits
9. proper google and youtube techniques (I've learned a ton from google, youtube, and forums)
10. Be willing to help out your "not so mechanically inclined" riding friends with their bikes when they need help!

 

[iLean2much]

10. Be willing to help out your "not so mechanically inclined" riding friends with their bikes when they need help!

Hard to help people who don't want to be helped.

The problem is that they are too lazy to come over to my house or even if I can do it at their place they are too impatient to wait for ordered parts and think it's safer bringing it to the dealer. Especially people with new bikes don't touch it at all, being afraid to void the warranty even when buying kawi brand oil and oem filter.

But putting on the aftermarket exhaust is so not a problem.

 

[jonahueiii]

Hard to help people who don't want to be helped.

The problem is that they are too lazy to come over to my house or even if I can do it at their place they are too impatient to wait for ordered parts and think it's safer bringing it to the dealer. Especially people with new bikes don't touch it at all, being afraid to void the warranty.

These are the friends you want to keep around... you already know they like throwing money away and will buy you lots of beer! :yumyum:

 

[DayTripper]

I think anyone on any kind of bike should know how to keep their cool when a driver does something stupid (because they will).

400lb sport bike

vs

4000lb SUV

No Bueno.

 

[iLean2much]

Even before I finally had my own car, I always told myself I play by the same rules than any other car.

No lane splitting, racing past anyone, weaving through traffic while everyone tries to maintain a safe distance to the one in front.

Also, when I do get annoyed by a slow car in front of me, either I can make a safe pass without having to crack it open just to make it.
If I do go a little nuts and fast, I want to be sure that I won't get caught by that car at the next light/stop sign. They love calling the cops, reporting bike license plates.

Not fair to other bikes since at that point the cops would pull over any sportbike they see for the next few hours.

 

[Todd]

COUNTER STEER!

Still amazed how many people are riding bikes on public roads that don't have a clue what counter steering is:coocoo

 

[morbid8573]

A big one no one has mentioned and won't apply to everyone is proper winterizing.