THEESTROGEN GARAGE GARAGE An introduction to motorcycle maintenance for the Ladies.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT There are no stupid questions. We’re all here to learn.. I reserve the right to laugh at you, PLEASE laugh at me!

Unlike most other vehicles, when you have a flat tire parts come loose other mechanical mishaps, ON A MOTORCYCLE THE RESULTS CAN BE DISASTROUS ! THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE

T- Tires and wheels C- Controls L- lights O- Oil C- Chassis K- Kickstand PRE-RIDE INSPECTION

Check tire pressure Check tread depth and condition Inspect for dry rot or cracking TIRES

TIRE PRESSURE GAUGES

TREAD DEPTH GAUGE

CHECKING TREAD DEPTH

Pluck spokes to check for looseness General inspection for excessive grease leaking from the hub or looseness in the bearings WHEELS

Inspect for bent or broken levers Confirm the lever balls are intact Make sure there isn’t excessive play in the levers Make sure they operate smoothly and correctly CONTROLS-LEVERS

LEVER

Check for Frayed ends Cracked housings Leaking fluid around connections CABLES/HOSES

Check for loose operation and quick return Check for excessive play Check operation with handlebars turned both ways THROTTLE

Check operation Check for cracked or missing lenses Check for loose mounts LIGHTS

Check oil level with engine warm OILS

Look for puddles on floor Look for fluids under chassis Inspect rear wheel/tire and swingarm for evidence of fluids spraying on these parts CHECK FOR EXCESSIVE LEAKING

Check other fluids that relate to your motorcycle Such as Transmission Final drive Primary ETC OIL

Look for obvious things like cracks or bends Free operation of the steering head Check for lateral play in the wheels CHASSIS

Look for leaking fluids Rock bike forward and backwards to check operation CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

CHASSIS/ CHAIN-BELT Check for lube, tension and condition

Perform an overall inspection for missing parts or things that just don’t look right. CHASSIS

General Condition Operation Does it firmly engage when you put it up to ride KICKSTAND

Changing the engine oil at regular intervals is the single best way to preserve your motorcycle OIL CHANGE

THINGS TO BUY

OIL FILTER TYPES

OIL FILTER WRENCH

DRAIN THE OIL Support the motorcycle Loosen but do not remove the drain plug Position the drain pan Completely remove the drain plug

REMOVE THE OLD OIL FILTER If it’s a canister filter, unscrew it If it’s a cartridge filter remove the cover and slide it out

Lubricate all o-rings Tighten canister filters 1 turn past gasket contact Torque cartridge covers to mfg. specifications INSTALL NEW FILTER

TIGHTEN DRAIN PLUG REPLACE DRAIN PLUG

Insert the mfgs recommended amount of oil Start and run motorcycle until the oil pressure light goes out Recheck oil level and top off as necessary REFILL WITH OIL

HAVE FUN !!! RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE