Motorcycle Maintenance - Top Ten How To Tech Tips brought to you by J&P Cycles.

[freddiedel]

Good deal. Thats what i was thinking too. But he gonna have to take 1 for the team if its the valve stem an give me a new 1. I thought when you get a new tire that come with it. That like putting hot sauce on HOT PIG SHIT! NO GOOD!!!

[freddiedel]

I bought a BRAND NEW rear tire an its flat *$200*!!!! What could be the cause of that? I don't think he put a NEW VALVE STEM. Its got to be that or the rim cracked or something huh?

[jpcycles2]

@freddiedel You should be able to find the leak by spraying some soapy water on the tire. Maybe the bead didn't seal properly or it could be the valve stem. Try the soapy water trick and see if you get any bubbles.

[lmp94]

Do all these tips work for 250cc bikes?

[jpcycles2]

@lmp94 There are a wide range of bikes out there and this video should function as a good reminder of the different systems that could need attention. You will always want to refer to manufacturer recommendations for your specific bike. If you had a more specific questions we can try to help!

[tensman1]

Good vid, but the comment on brake fluid for Harleys is not current. New Harleys do NOT use DOT 5 fluid!! DOT 5 is silicone-based and not compatible with DOT 4, which is being used now on new Harleys.

[bblando65]

Please tell me you guys use a quality tire pressure gauge in your shop....a pencil gauge is NOT acceptable at anytime for motorcycle tire pressures...

[RepublicanDumbAss]

WAY too much "filler".

[Michiganborn1969]

I recently got an 85 Yamaha Maxim 700XJ with 19k miles. The oil cap does not have an attached dip stick. How do I determine the correct oil level?

[livmax1]

@Michiganborn1969  look for an oil level window by your foot peg. oil level in the middle is good amount

[natfx7]

Excellent

[Brainiac83]

Soo many issues only with HD here..I never had to top off any fluids on my Kawasaki..When i change them, they are at the same level as they were when replaced.Spoked wheel problems aswell..Avoid spoked wheels.

[doydeedum]

Great video that all motorcyclist should see. All 10 are very important for a safe ride. Many thanks for this video.

[jeremiah3324]

tnx for the tips...what are the top ten tips to maintaining the good condition of my ktm smc 625..im in philippines this bike was given by my gf from Europe...can i ask some advice to you sir on how to maintain?

[jpcycles2]

@jeremiah3324 Most of the tips in this video will be the same on your bike also. If your KTM is a dirtbike, and if it's 2 stroke, there will be a few differences, but if it is a road bike, just use this as a reference. You'll get to know your bike very well pretty quick. Knowing your own motorcycle is the most important thing you can do, knowledge is power. Make sure to get a manual for your bike, there will be a maintenance schedule in that book.

[NorthWriter]

This is great! I'm new to riding, having only ridden on a motorcycle once before, and on the back, at that. This is the year that I want to start riding, and from the beginning I've always wanted to be able to do as much of my own maintenance as I could. Thanks so much for posting this stuff! It makes such a difference to be able to see AND hear what you're talking about.

[jpcycles2]

@NorthWriter Great to hear that. Doing the maintenance yourself is also a great way to just know your motorcycle. It's a great time to see if anything else needs tightened up, lubed, oiled or just taken care of. You'll also be a much safer rider if you know your motorcycle very well.

[wrinlyhamster]

I got a Suzuki bandit 600, that has sat for about 3 years, would you say this bike is trashed or no, it did sit through michigan weather affects.

[jpcycles2]

@wrinlyhamster My personal bike is an 82 KZ1100 that sat outside in Iowa for 4 yrs with the head bolts loose. It didn't take much for it to run... Gas, Battery and a gasket. If it ran before you parked it, it should run again. If not, then fix it. It's worth it just to do the work yourself, beleive me.

Shannon A.

J&P Cycles Video Producer.

[wrinlyhamster]

@jpcycles2 thanks for the output, I'll get this done on my next day off, and yes it did run before.

[jpcycles2]

@wrinlyhamster Please make sure to keep us posted on this. Also, if you need any help, just ask, we'd be happy to assist in any way that we can. We'll help you find all of the information resources you need, parts or whatever. We want to see pics too. Before and after. Find us on Facebook and post them there.

[mmdv75]

you gonna need those tips ESPECIALLY if you ride harley dynosaurs

[jpcycles2]

These are tips for all motorcycles, not any particular brand. This is not a forum for discussing individual taste in brands or models of motorcycles. Thank you.

[mmdv75]

right, mate, I'm sorry. thanks for telling

[jpcycles2]

Not a problem, I hope you enjoy all of our videos.

[wsterfred]

On my bike, as soon as I fire it up, there is a lot of smoke coming off the whole of the exhaust. Its isn't a gasket. Does anyone know what might be causing it?

[Bulgdoom]

Not good to leave a bike to idle, oil pressure is low, and thats even worse than running a cold engine. Put on center and let it go slowly in 1st

[SIXDAYS12]

hey what do suggest on reparing a

honda 1979 cm400t i dont have the owners manuel what do you guys suggest to do

[bigchappy1970]

learn basic skills or buy a newer bike

[birthnight]

lol by the third recurring intro clip i was laughing my ass off....other than that nice vid!

[1mKev]

That top ten intro video that you kept looping was so horrid! i got so annoyed..

I thought atleast it would count down from 10-1 but no.. you just put the same video in every 3 tips or so.. urgh.

good tips though.

[jpcycles2]

What do you mean? It kept looping the same video every 3 tips or so? Are you talking about the Animated bumper? It was originally designed as 10 segments but we were able to fit it into 1 single video. With the time allowed for editing, I didn't have a chance to take that out of all of them. I am sorry this is annoying, we will be doing it differently in the future. I still hope you got something out of the tips that will help you keep your bike going longer though.

[mitchelldo4]

your intro's are too long and recurring. good verbal skills, no embellishing or "acting"

i could stand to watch another vid you make

[Mpntball2012]

Ok?

[jpcycles2]

Thanks for the compliment. The recurring intro's seem to be a theme of dislike here. We are going to work on that and try to get it trimmed down. Lots of other videos on the way.. If I ever get time, I'll trim that out for others to watch more pleasantly.

[yenglu]

hey thanks man,appreciate all the useful info and will share it with my co riders,i'm a rider from the philippines!!!

[jlh42581]

Did you see the chicken strips on that tire?

[benutzer2]

Yeah they were huge!

[SladjanVeritas]

It's not a sportsbike!!

[dsjoo]

I agree with most of people who care. It was very helpful. Thanks.

[DJPWN]

I found this very usefull thank you.

[Bikeman1087]

Nice video. I have done most of these for every bikes I have owned. From moped to 125cc motorcycle and for my cb500. I'm not a custom rider yet, but there's not much difference between other bikes.

The only video tutorial I need is how to check wheel bearings and swingarm bearings, steering head bearings. Without removing any parts first. Never seen video for it yet, so that's why those bearings are still unchecked.

[eriatarka1983]

Are you seriously suggesting doing all this before EVERY ride?

[jpcycles2]

The statement of "Every Ride" is a statement for very in-experienced riders with a new bike or their first bike. This will give them the opportunity to learn more about the bike, parts, and how it runs. Please remember, these are just guidlines and not to be taken as Manufacturer rules. Different bikes have different needs.

Keep in mind also that by just doing simple look overs, you can find faults eaiser that could prevent an accident or being stranded along side of the road.

[razza219]

jesus what a load of shite who really would go through all that unless they were racing the bike, comon sence people!! come back 2 me when you raced the northwest 200 and i still wouldnt do half them tests he did! he didnt once say anything about the motor and most comon flaut on a bike norally comes from that aldepends as well what kind of bike

[jpcycles2]

Not many people would ever go through all of that before riding. Many people don't do very much of this at all and that makes mechanics happy.

We are trying to look out for our customers and offer this as some additional education. A complete course in motorcycle maintenance to learn every aspect cannot be made in a 10 minute Youtube video.

Remember, our slogan is "Keeping the World on Two Wheels" Regular maintenance is a part of KEEPING ON TWO WHEELS and not sitting in the garage.

[mathewskarl]

I appreciate the effort being made by people who are willing to spend their time & energy (not to mention, money) to help hopeless cases such as myself.

I'm new to riding (the only road vehicle I've ever had, is a pushbike - and didn't maintain that very well either).

Maintenance of a bike is all greek/alien language to me. I'm frequently in my local mechanic's because I haven't paid the attention to learn.

These kinds of videos are essential viewing for n00bs like myself.

Good work - thanks :o)

[jpcycles2]

I certainly hope you will count on J&P Cycles for your upgraded parts. We have some amazing techs on the phones that can help you out too. Also, check out our forums and see if there is anything there that can help you out. If you would like to see that bike up close, it is in our showroom at Destination Daytona in Florida.

[youseemetube]

Nice!

[shane5595]

im a short rider about 5'3. some said the motorcycle air suspension can be lowered down. can show me some tips on video? thanx

[r3yrey]

what do you plan on riding? i'm 5'3 as well and i ride a 2000 cbr600f4... its my first bike.. a bit tall but once i got used to it, its actually pretty easy. but anyway yeah you can adjust suspensions <--- i was told it was pretty easy.. i dont think i'll do it though

[shane5595]

i was thinking about going for 2004 gsx-r 1000. my Bro said, it doesn't suit my height, but i still wanted to ride on it. if it really doesn't suit me, i think i'll just take the 2003 busa. so what do u think?

[r3yrey]

bad idea i'd say! being 5'3 those bike are too tall and too heavy... you can tippytoe it but once the bike leans a little to the side... youre not gonna be able to stop it because you wont have a lot of leverage (short legs) btw how long have u been riding.. cause that makes a big difference. if not a whole lot of experience.. just go for a 600cc or less

[r3yrey]

and even if you get a gxer or busa lowered.. youd be surprise on how wide the seats are.. like i said once those bikes lean to one side.. its over.. not much you gombe able to do... if your really serious about buying a sportbike.. go to a delearship and just sit on every bike and see which one your comfy with..thats what i did.. try sitting on some 2004 or newer SV650 <not too tall

[shane5595]

yeah man u got some points there, i've been riding for about 2 years. since im a huge fan of suzuki, i think i just go for either the gixxer 750 or the 600cc bikes.

[r3yrey]

have u been riding dirt or sport? cause theres a pretty big difference! the feel of the weight & power are totally different! but anyhow.. go to a dealer and just sit on every bike they have... your options are going to be more clear after you do that. i bugged the heck outa the dealers where i lived...

[r3yrey]

nd oh.. if this is your first sport.. dont go for your dream bike yet cause you are going to drop it! me, after i ride this f4 for a year or 2 i'l switch to a 04gsxr or 05cbrRR.. tryin to get good skills first! which everone you buy.. ride safe.. take MSF (i did nd it really helped)

[shane5595]

i've been riding a sports bike kawasaki zxr 250. i've also ride my friends R1 and it's superb from its performance and fuel consump. the dearlers here in my country(Malaysia) doesn't sell to many sport bikes like those bike above 600cc. if u want one, u have to order it. so base from your opinion, i think i'll just take the gxxer 600-750. also the price here is madness. say in US cost a kawasaki zx-6r around 6000$, in here is about 30000$ plus man. it triples the price man. id say, wtf man.

[Drakonian]

do i have to drain the brake fluid before topping up a new one?

[Strongbody10]

Wow! I've never done of those things on mine for quite sometime. I bet it won't be pretty.

[jpcycles2]

Strongbody10, I hope to hear soon that you have done at least most of these. Keeping your motorcycle in good running condition will save you a lot of money down the road with fewer repairs and or higher resale value.

[Strongbody10]

Oh yeah I checked it right after I watched this and everything looks fine except for the oil.

[Superfission]

Seeing as how I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to motorcycles, most of this was new to me. Hence the "good video" part of my comment.

[jpcycles2]

Superfission,

Since you are new to Motorcycles, What type of bike do you have? What kind of videos would you like to see?

Let me know and I will see if I can direct you to what you want or make some to cater to your needs.

[Superfission]

Right now, I just have a Honda Dio moped. I live in Japan at the moment but will be returning to the states next year. It's my only method of transportation outside of my bicycle, but it gets me from A to B (work, store, etc.). However, after I move back to the USA I'd to get some kind of sport bike if I can save up enough money for a car and a bike since I'll need both.

[Superfission]

Good video, but it was annoying to have to watch that graphic every time between each tip.

[daEggboi]

agreed

[jpcycles2]

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