Posted by hogryder@enetis.net on March 13, 2001 at 18:21:15:
In Reply to: Spring Maintenance posted by Amy on March 13, 2001 at 05:02:47:
I wouldn't mess with the brake fluid unless you know what you're doing. I don't mess with the brakes.
I usually drain the fuel tank and replace the gas. If you added a preservative to the fuel, such as Sta-bil, last fall you don't absolutely need to drain the tank but I would suggest you add a little Heet or similar product to cause any moisture to mix into the fuel.
Change the oil, change the oil filter, clean or replace the air filter. I go by milage on the spark plug. One good season of riding will usually go through 1 spark plug but if you put less than 2000 miles on your bike last year, you can still use the old plug. If you notice a loss of power, mis-firing, or hard starting, change the plug.
Check the cells in the battery and add DISTILLED water until the fluid level is near the top. Most batteries have a "high" and "low" mark and you want the fluid levels between them. Then charge the battery overnight on a trickle charger.
While you're waiting for your battery to charge, check all the nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten anything you find loose then give the bike a good wash and wax. Also, squirt a little WD-40 on the kick stand "safety switch".
That should to it. Anything I forgot, guys? We're still a few weeks away from riding weather (at least for wimps like me) here in South Dakota so I haven't given it much thought.
Enjoy the spring riding and dress warm.