servicing

[thauma]

Dumb Ass question alert!!!!!

Ok, here's the thing.


My bike's not been used much over the last year (around 250 miles since last service and MOT), been garaged, and started regularly, moved around a bit but no real riding.

It now needs an MOT, does it need a service? As it's a 2004 GSA, with full service history,, I think it is past the time when a full record is necessary (tell me if I'm wrong) and the condition tells it's own story (pampered would probably describe it)

It's done around 24000 miles, and the 24000 mile service was been done last year.


what are your thoughts?

 

[Stewart H]

I might be tempted to change the engine oil but that is probably about it.

 

[DrAlf]

Yeah what he said - check the oil level, check the tyre pressures and maybe change the engine oil if you're feeling generous Then see what fails at MOT time

 

[thauma]

thanks guys - that's what I thought.

Bikes not been used really so seems daft giving it a service, especially as I suspect that it would just be the annual service that would apply.

Probably Easy enough to do the oil, never had a problem with any of my other bikes or cars

 

[Steptoe]

Just starting the bike and letting it run for short periods in the garage is the worst possible thing you can do.

 

[The Grey One]

Just starting the bike and letting it run for short periods in the garage is the worst possible thing you can do.

I'll second that! If that is what you have done change the oil straight away.

John

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Just starting the bike and letting it run for short periods in the garage is the worst possible thing you can do.

It's odd that people do this. Almost like they're worried the bike needs oil moving around the mechanical parts.

If they want to move oil then they should pull the plugs and turn the thing over on the starter for a bunch of seconds. But this too is counter productive as the greatest wear takes place in an engine on initial rotation until the oil pressure comes up.

 

[thauma]

can you define what a 'short period' is - please?

 

[Ian J Hartley]

The engine is an oil and air cooled engine. It is not designed to be run static for prolonged periods. Without airflow you will generate hot spots around the engine. For every gallon of fuel burnt, you generate about the same amount of water. You will probably have noticed the water coming out of the exhaust when the engine is cold. The water contains harmful sulphur. You need to heat the whole package, engine and exhaust to get rid of all this moisture.

You may not notice any damage, as the thing is pretty robust, but you are damaging it.

The greatest wear takes place every time you start the engine. Mechanical rotating parts with no oil pressure. The fewer times you do this the better.

This is why it is recommended to start the bike and ride it. When you come back from riding it and it's nice and hot, switch off and leave it until you need to ride it again.

If I need to start my bike after maintenance, to test something, I make sure that when I've finished I take it for a nice long run to get it all warm.

Hope this makes sense

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

can you define what a 'short period' is - please?

I park mine up in oct & don't touch them until April - so never started for 6 months

Optimate every now & again - they fire straight up every April

Running for 5 mins each week is really bad, as people have said

 

[thauma]

Thanks for the clarifications guys - that is the type of thing that I thought you would say, so glad to see my understanding isn't too wide of the mark.

Fortunately I have been riding the bike, dry days only round the local area, to get the engine up to temperature - hence the low mileage (not had time for any real runs or tours - personal circumstances and lack of motivation unfortunately)

SO - now off to the MOT man, and we'll see what he has to say…. hopefully this year I will be more motivated, otherwise I may as well sell it and pass it onto someone who will treat the bike as it deserves (although I'd probably regret that)

Cheers

 

[Gecko]

I always check my brake calipers after a lay up - just to make sure there's no corrosion that could cause a problem after being unsused for a time.

 

[Sunny Jim]

As it's a 2004 GSA, with full service history, I think it is past the time when a full record is necessary

Same 'bike here - decided the same myself so set about giving it a 45,000 service:

Fresh oil & filter, changed out the petrol filter, cleaned K&N air filter, stripped down the callipers and gave them a good clean & TLC, alternator belt, 4 x plugs & new front tyre - about £200 all in - would have been looking at £400 at dealers! Marked the service book accordingly and will keep receipt. Also - really enjoyed messin' too!

As Johnny - optimate it every now and then in between the airhead and leave it alone.

Gerron with it!

 

[Madmountainman]

As Johnny - optimate it every now and then in between the airhead and leave it alone.

Gerron with it!

You're supposed to ride em Jim, not leave em alone!

 

[Captain Black]

Just leave it parked up as long as you like. Warm and dry with a trickle charger on it then start and ride off do 50 miles change oil and filter give it a once over and ride.