Pre Season Checks

Joined
Apr 9, 2018
Messages
97
It looks like we are set to have some riding weather in the UK this week, so I just wanted to remind you all to give your bike a good check over before you get all dizzy and take them out for the first time in a while!

  • Tyre pressures - 34psi front, 38psi rear
  • Check tyre condition
  • Brakes - operation, effectiveness
  • Throttle cables - free and smooth motion (make sure your bar end mirrors/weights aren't fouling the twistgrip!)
  • Battery - charged and conditioned
  • Oil level - run the bike on a flat surface for 2 minutes, allow to stand for 1 minute, check dipstick, the level should be right in the middle of the knurled section. If you need to add, spec is Silkolene semi synthetic 10w-40
  • Catch bottle - empty this, and you need to make sure you check this every 5-800 miles throughout the riding season
  • Lights, indicators and brake lights - check they are all functioning correctly
If you prefer, please make sure you get your bike booked in with your local dealer or with us here.

I don't mean to come across as patronising, and I am sure many of you are way ahead of me, but hopefully these simple things can save a little heartache if you pull the bike out on Saturday morning to find a flat battery.

If any one has any concerns then you know where to find me...
 
May I add a chain visual + clean/lube.

I just bought a little £20 roller thing off ebay which makes it really easy. No struggling with paddock stand and works with front wheel cleaning too.
 
May I add a chain visual + clean/lube.

I just bought a little £20 roller thing off ebay which makes it really easy. No struggling with paddock stand and works with front wheel cleaning too.

You clean your wheels ?!?
 
May I add a chain visual + clean/lube.

I just bought a little £20 roller thing off ebay which makes it really easy. No struggling with paddock stand and works with front wheel cleaning too.
Excellent point Clive, I knew i'd miss something obvious! Standard chain slack is 35-40mm at it's slackest point
 
Excellent, thank you rob.

Quick question and some of you may know the answer. Before I bought my 961 in the summer the previous owner had the oil dipstick changed for a longer one at the last main dealer service. Do you know where the correct oil level should be now on that longer dipstick? Only done 200 miles since service so not been an issue yet but this thread reminded me to ask.

Thanks
 
Excellent, thank you rob.

Quick question and some of you may know the answer. Before I bought my 961 in the summer the previous owner had the oil dipstick changed for a longer one at the last main dealer service. Do you know where the correct oil level should be now on that longer dipstick? Only done 200 miles since service so not been an issue yet but this thread reminded me to ask.

Thanks
If your dipstick is one with a plain section about 1'' long, followed by a knurled section about the same size, then your oil level should be in the middle of the knurled section.
It might help if you are able to post a photograph.
 
I spent all last season giving my tyres a kick and they seemed ok. Gave them a kick today and yep, felt good BUT I decided to stick the pump on and check.... ooooh errrr 24psi rear, 22psi front!
 
None on my 2013 CR either.
Maybe the Canadian distributor or government regs required it?
 
Not on my 2018 bike Richard.

Maybe specific to certain markets perhaps?
Correct, North American bikes are covered in stickers, but the USA and Canadians require different stickers (on a USA bike it actually displays tyre pressure, amongst other things on a sticker on the headstock).
 
Well they should have it on all bikes. Super useful. And you cannot see it without looking behind exhaust so its also very discreet.
 
I spent all last season giving my tyres a kick and they seemed ok. Gave them a kick today and yep, felt good BUT I decided to stick the pump on and check.... ooooh errrr 24psi rear, 22psi front!
Must have handled like a strawberry blancmange with those pressures :)
 
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