hello there,
Another noob question(s) I'd like to ask you all.
After each race and after a race weekend, what do you check on the bikes?
Any critical areas that I must look at?
Do you all change all fluids after the race weekend? Like oil and brake fluids?
I guess the obvious would be to check bolts and safety wired stuff, chain tension, check tyres...
Just wanted to see what you all say.
Thanks in advance!!
Mike
Back on my first race bike, all I did was apply a fresh batch of duct tape to make sure everything stayed together... :thumb:
My teammate, near as I can tell, just waxes his bike between races/weekends.
Otherwise, I think you've got it - change the oil/filter, clean/adjust chain, spot check as many bolts as you can reach.
I change the fork oil once or twice a season. Rear shock gets checked/re-valved if needed once a season. I put on a new chain every season. I bleed the brakes every 2 weekends at a minimum.
just make note of what falls off and check that next time. LOL...
I changed oil every other weekend, and brake fluid 2-3x per year.
Really, I was in my bike enough to just be able to do a few cursory glances at safety wired stuff, clips, etc.
Always helps to keep an eye on the rear wheel adjusters and master link..
GREAT!
Thanks for all the help!
Mike
Check the bolt holding on the front brake lever...you REALLY don't want to find out like I did lol!
and to think your the tech inspector. :biggrin:
for me i dont do much to the bike.sv650.I run all the mid atlantic races.all i do is change the oil twice a year,plugs twice,clutch 1 time a year, fork fluid 1 time a year,front brake pads 2 times a year and tires.the only time i really work on the bike is in the winter.been racing since 2000 and finished all my races i entered and no dnfs for 5 years till this year when i had a few problems.I just put gas and go.
couch potatoe racing! love the sv-john ccs#28
If you use race gas, DRAIN IT!
The stuff is volatile as hell and needs to be used or drained. Not to mention it saves the gas. Drain it back into the original pail and seal it.
Zip tie the brake lever back between races.
Don't leave your forks compressed (tied down) over time.
Clean your fork legs and spray WD-40 directly above the dust seals and bounce the forks once or twice.
There are many things to do, but these are a few important ones. The biggest mistake a noob can make is to NOT ask every question that comes to mind. Welcome to the obsession :)
Quote from: tstruyk on January 11, 2007, 12:21:29 PM
why for?
Helps the bubbles rise to the top and go through the m/c into the reservoir.
COOL!!! :thumb:
I have always been taught that the more time you spend cleaning your bike - the better. It gives you more opportunity to find the things that need attention. I look at it this way - going out on the track without prepping your bike is like going skydiving without checking to make sure the chute is in working condition.
Quote from: SCOTTY727 on January 16, 2007, 12:55:15 PM
I have always been taught that the more time you spend cleaning your bike - the better. It gives you more opportunity to find the things that need attention. I look at it this way - going out on the track without prepping your bike is like going skydiving without checking to make sure the chute is in working condition.
+1
+1
+1
+1
A clean bike is a happy bike!
I have found loose or cracked items cleaning
I totally agree. I try to have my bike spotless going to each round. I always thought I was pretty thorough before I missed the fact that the locknut was gone on my front brake lever-now I am WAY more thorough!
Like mentioned-you will find all sorts of stuff that is not right. I always pull all the bodywork and put a wrench on all the bolts-loctite is your friend!
NTM the tech guys like a clean bike too..makes it much easier to see everything. Plus a grungy bike can hide leaks!
Quote from: Spooner on January 16, 2007, 01:33:46 PM
NTM the tech guys like a clean bike too..makes it much easier to see everything. Plus a grungy bike can hide leaks!
F the tech guys. If you are in the GP region get as much mud on it as possible prior to going through tech.