Beginners Maintenence Guide?

[hedgehog88]

Hello,

First off, I'm new to this forum and bring a  proud owner of a GS500F, I like to send my greetings to all. 

I bought my bike with 2500km in it already, and the previous owner has already replace the oil and filter on the bike. As I haven't ridden it yet (no insurance yet) I would like to take the time to get a better understanding when it comes to maintenance on this bike. Does anyone know a link/book they can recommend for a first timer? I'm worried once I start riding it, without the proper knowledge this bike won't last long.

Such questions I'm seeking is like:
- the number of km before the next maintenance. what should I look for in the next maintenance.
- when to change oil and oil filters. what oil is recommended, what filter is recommended.
- when to lube the chain, how often, what type of lube
- when to change battery
- tighten screws and bolts
- what should I be cleaning often
- when to change spark plug, what kind
I know there's a lot more questions I can ask but these are just examples I'm seeking along with  the many more. Main purpose again is to keep the bike as healthy as possible till its absolutely necessary to bike it to the shop for repair.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[adidasguy]

Best thing is to buy the Haynes or Clymer manual. They cover everything.
Since models changed little after 2004, get a manual for 1989-2004 or later. I know there is a 1989-2008 Haynes manual. I have that. My personal preference is Haynes over Clymer. Haynes has color wiring diagrams.

[codajastal]

What he said. Welcome to the forum.
BTW which country/state are you in?

[hedgehog88]

Best thing is to buy the Haynes or Clymer manual. They cover everything.
Since models changed little after 2004, get a manual for 1989-2004 or later. I know there is a 1989-2008 Haynes manual. I have that. My personal preference is Haynes over Clymer. Haynes has color wiring diagrams.

I actually googled that manual and was reading feedbacks and comments stating it doesn't include the basics of maintenance. Since you have that manual, would you say it covers everything as like what I have mentioned in my first post?

What he said. Welcome to the forum.
BTW which country/state are you in?

Thanks!

I'm sitting in  Ontario, Canada.

[adidasguy]

It has the maintenance schedule (600mi, 2000mi, etc.)
Daily pre-ride check list
Like the first 21 pages are just the regular maintenance, what to do, when and how to do it. The rest of the book goes into detail on all the parts of the bike.
So, yes - it does cover it all. Maybe older editions were different. Mine is the 1989-2008 edition, which I think is the newest. It will cover whatever year of GS you have. Like I mentioned, nothing really changed much after 2006 except for the colors.

[hedgehog88]

It has the maintenance schedule (600mi, 2000mi, etc.)
Daily pre-ride check list
Like the first 21 pages are just the regular maintenance, what to do, when and how to do it. The rest of the book goes into detail on all the parts of the bike.
So, yes - it does cover it all. Maybe older editions were different. Mine is the 1989-2008 edition, which I think is the newest. It will cover whatever year of GS you have. Like I mentioned, nothing really changed much after 2006 except for the colors.

Much appreciated. I'll check it out at my local book shop.

Since we're on the topic on maintenance, I was reading that lubing the chain often extend the life of it. Is that correct? Would I have to clean it often and lube it? Any suggestions on brand? Is there one specific to another or all the same?

Do you think a maintenance course is worth taking over reading a manual?

[adidasguy]

I don't have much to suggest on brands of lube. I use PJ Blue and Silkolene. Others may have more opinions on lube, what lasts longest and what doesn't fly off.

I do like the R&G toe guard (aka Shark Fin). It prevents accidentally getting fingers in there when you rotate the wheel to clean and lube the chain. Plus it looks so cool!

Check the video section here on the board. There are lots of helpful videos to show you lots of stuff.

My "Suzi" with her toe guard and stainless steel chain guard (painted black). The rear hugger may not be available anymore. "airbrush" is a member on the board that made them. It helps keep the suspension clean and also looks really cool. Don't forget R&G crash sliders. They'll protect your baby when she falls over (and she will).

What is the name of your bike? Most of us here have named our bikes.

here are the pix of Suzi (she's a 2009):

[codajastal]

I was reading that lubing the chain often extend the life of it. Is that correct? Would I have to clean it often and lube it?

Yes that is correct.
Check out these
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56520.msg639653#msg639653
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=60292.msg694398#msg694398

[hedgehog88]

adidasguy, that is a sweet ride! I love the handlebars! Can I ask what brand it is and where you bought it?

The chain guard and toe guard are both R&G? The rear hugger is the rear tire fender? (sorry for my lack of bike term knowledge) Was the chain replaced? So clean!

Probably a stupid question but seeing that the GS500F don't have a fuel gauge to tell if you're low on fuel, how do you check to see if you have low fuel? Pop open the tank lid and look in?

Haha, no name yet as I haven't taken her for a ride. This is my first bike and have thought of a few mods I would like to do, one being I would like to paint the tank and front fairing white later on though. It really depends if this is going to be my bike for the long haul. I never realized how much mods there is for this bike model!

codajastal, thanks for the links. Much appreciated!

Already a few post in and I've learnt alot. Thanks guys.

[codajastal]

adidasguy, that is a sweet ride! I love the handlebars! Can I ask what brand it is and where you bought it?

The chain guard and toe guard are both R&G? The rear hugger is the rear tire fender? (sorry for my lack of bike term knowledge) Was the chain replaced? So clean!

Probably a stupid question but seeing that the GS500F don't have a fuel gauge to tell if you're low on fuel, how do you check to see if you have low fuel? Pop open the tank lid and look in?

Haha, no name yet as I haven't taken her for a ride. This is my first bike and have thought of a few mods I would like to do, one being I would like to paint the tank and front fairing white later on though. It really depends if this is going to be my bike for the long haul. I never realized how much mods there is for this bike model!

codajastal, thanks for the links. Much appreciated!

Already a few post in and I've learnt alot. Thanks guys.

Adidas has gone to bed so until he comes back I will try to answer your questions

The Toe guard is R & G the chain guard however is not. I is in fact adidas's own and can be purchased off him.
Rear hugger is the item covering the back tyre (with the blue stripe)
The chain was not replaced but probably cleaned and lubed (see video in link I posted) http://youtu.be/TSa55bspoS8
Use your odometer and set to 0000 when you fill up and look at it when you hit reserve. Do this a few time to get an average KM distance and you will always know when you need to fill up.
Adidas will be back later to fill in the rest

[hedgehog88]

Thanks for the details! That's a clever idea using the odometer as a fuel gauge.

Should probably get this manual soon as I have some reading to do....exciting!

[dmartins]

Welcome to the community!

I'm living in Brampton, ON. If you are close enough and would like to go for a ride sometime once you get comfortable on the bike just shoot me a message on here.

[fraze11]

Where are you in Ontario?  I'm in Ancaster.  If you were close and wanted a hand with something I could help you out.  I have an F as well that I've done a tonne of crap too and do most of my own maintenance.

[KnuckleBallz]

I'm sorry, but I don't really get the "shark fin"? It's a toe guard? I'm not sure how your toes would even end up near there.

I took my chain guard off the first time I cleaned & lubed it, and it's still sitting in my garage today. They seem pretty unneccesary to me.

[jestercinti]

I'm sorry, but I don't really get the "shark fin"? It's a toe guard? I'm not sure how your toes would even end up near there.

I took my chain guard off the first time I cleaned & lubed it, and it's still sitting in my garage today. They seem pretty unneccesary to me.

One thing that I know it's good for...Often times people will clean their chain with the bike running.  The thought is put the bike on the center stand, put it in first gear, and let 'er rip.  Dangerous since fingers, towels, and cleaning tools can get away from you and get sucked into the sprocket.

That's of course worse case scenerio.  Mostly, it's used as added protection to prevent things from entering the rear sprocket area.  I know when I was a kid, I'd get things stuck in the front or rear bicycle sprocket all the time.  Mostly bell-bottomed pants from the 1970s/1980s. 

[KnuckleBallz]

Wow, I don't think I'd try cleaning with the bike running. I can see why some people would though.

I hear ya about the bell-bottoms too. I stick to laceless boots and a bit more reserved pants when riding hahaha. I can only imagine how bad getting a piece stuck in there would be.

Looks way cooler with the chain exposed IMO. (If you keep it shiny of course....

[fraze11]

I'm sorry, but I don't really get the "shark fin"? It's a toe guard? I'm not sure how your toes would even end up near there.

I took my chain guard off the first time I cleaned & lubed it, and it's still sitting in my garage today. They seem pretty unneccesary to me.

Agreed. I removed mine as well...but then I had to put it back when I put my rear hugger on

[SAFE-T]

Only a complete doofus puts anything close to the rear sprocket to lube it when the bike is running ~ there is an entire length of exposed chain behind the front drive sprocket that is easily accessible ~

Also, if you ever look at the underside of a chain guard, it becomes obvious from the amount of goop on it what one of it's useful purposes is.

[merlinq21]

since you live in Toronto (or at least you are a long suffering leaf fan), I will give my advice.

Drop the oil after you take the bike out of winter storage. Mid way through the summer late July to mid august, drop the oil and change the filter. Lube the chain once a month. For winter storage fill the tank and drop a can of sea foam into the tank, run the bike for 10 min. Let it cool and park it.

General,
Every ride, check chain for slack, check tire pressures, check signals, check high a low beam, check the fuel level. After your ride check your oil levels.

I am in the west end, the GS is for my 17 year old son and my wife rides it as well.

[adidasguy]

Too bad you're not in BC. That's closer to the Bike Cave in Seattle.

I'm sorry, but I don't really get the "shark fin"? It's a toe guard? I'm not sure how your toes would even end up near there.

I took my chain guard off the first time I cleaned & lubed it, and it's still sitting in my garage today. They seem pretty unneccesary to me.

Agreed. I removed mine as well...but then I had to put it back when I put my rear hugger on

Toe guard is a racing item - you know, racers drag their feet and other body parts.
However, it is nice should your rag snag the chain as you rotate the tire. In wooded areas, it keeps things like twigs and small animals out of the sprocket.

Even if you don't believe that, they look cool and give you an extra 3 hp in power.

FYI: Years ago I had a cousin lose a thumb. His bike shop said to clean the chain with the bike running. Rag caught and pulled the thumb in. Needless to say the guy at the bike shop got fired but my cousin never grew back his thumb. He could have lost more than a thumb.