Bike maintenance for performance

[vorBH]

Hi guys!

07 500F ~20,000 km

Ok so - I feel like my gs500 is not at 100%...What are the points of the bike that have to be checked to make sure there is no power loss and things are up to tip top shape? Are they the items to follow in the routine maintenance? ANything else?

Valve clearance
Carbs - what should I do here?
lol what else? I know there are probably several more

I just cant afford to drop it off to the mechanic and pay for all the work to be done by that knowledgeable person, which I know may be best...but most things I can do on my own.

[Paulcet]

Yep, valves.  Chain in good shape, replaced if necessary.  Sprockets.  Wheel bearings.  Compression check for your peace of mind.

[DoD#i]

On top of what's already been mentioned:

Air filter, plugs. Has to be able to breathe, need good spark. Being able to breathe need not mean aftermarket filter (which mostly let in more dirt than stock, which causes more wear, and help little with power) but a dirty filter can really make an impact (at which point a clean filter really makes an impact in a good way.)

Carbs should be clean, any crud in the bottoms of the bowls drained, float levels set, jets appropriate for your air filter and exhaust configuration, idle set properly.

Brakes not binding.

[tt_four]

I just cant afford to drop it off to the mechanic and pay for all the work to be done by that knowledgeable person, which I know may be best

NEVER!!

Learning how to take care of your bike is definitely the way to go

[DoD#i]

They are far simpler and more manageable to work on yourself than a car is.

Finding a good bike mechanic is about 100 times harder than finding a good car mechanic, in my experience.

So definitely, do your own work.

"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you are probably right."

That's much more about mindset than about knowing it all before you start.

[bill14224]

Your bike is 3 years old.  If it's running good there's no need to mess with the carbs.  To maintain good performance this is what you should check:

- Oil level and condition, change filter yearly
- Air filter condition
- Tire condition and pressure
- Brakes and fluid
- Cam chain tensioner
- Valve clearances
- Wheel bearings, dab some new grease on them
- IMPORTANT - ALWAYS TREAT YOUR GAS BEFORE IT IS STORED OVER THE WINTER
All these things except the valves are easy to do yourself.

That should do it for now, but don't be surprised if your battery goes south soon.

Down the line your swingarm and forks will need attention.  Have fun!

[vorBH]

Ok aweseom - thanks guys!!

How can I check the cam chain tensioner?...Does everything above it have to come off? Well I guess a link to a How-to would be helpful to know now what I am checking for in the tensioner..

[vorBH]

Also - regarding the air filter.

I took it out and it doesn't look clogged..I took it to the dealership to use their compressed air and blow it...and no difference....I don't think its ever been changes...20,000km on the bike...should I be changing it?

[Porkchop]

Also - regarding the air filter.

I took it out and it doesn't look clogged..I took it to the dealership to use their compressed air and blow it...and no difference....I don't think its ever been changes...20,000km on the bike...should I be changing it?

IMHO, if you suspect it has never been changed, change it and start fresh.  Hopefully a filter won't break the bank and you will know when it was changed.  From that point on, change it at the recommended intervals.

-Porkchop