Bike Maintenance
2005 Honda Gold Wing
GL1800 ABS
6/29/10 102,610 miles
Installed Bridgestone G704 rear tire.
Oil Change done. Only had about 3,700 on last oil but I was looking at the color and quality of the oil. I use AMSOIL 10W-40 and the last oil change we added some Yamaha Ring Free to the gas to take care of a small pecking noise in the engine. The ring free work great and I bought another bottle of it today. This time I will use it as directed. 1oz per 10 gallons of gas.
5/24/10 98,867 miles
Installed Bridgestone front tire.
Cycle Nation of Huntsville performed major maintenance.
Plugs, timing, oil filter, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, air filter.
4/6/10 96,102 miles
Installed new G704 rear tire.
10/8/09 89,736 miles
Oil and filter change. Installed new Bridgestone G704 rear tire.
Installed a new set of Avon Cobras on the bike. I am looking forward to getting into the mountains and trying them out.
The Bridgestone rear tire still had miles left on it but, the front was worn out. More to follow.
Installed Bridgestone 704 180/60R-16 rear tire. This is one of the two choices that Honda provides as an OEM rubber on new bikes. The other is a Dunlop.
Took the bike to KC’s. They changed it while I waited. 40 minutes, start to finish. That’s as fast as anyone has ever done it.
I have used two different Dunlop’s and, I get more mileage with the Bridgestone. It did take some getting use too. The two brands feel incredibly different.
I plan to try a set of Avon Cobra tires next time.
Picked up bike from KC's. All fluids changed including coolant. Amsoil oil was used. Valves adjusted. Air filter replaced. Plugs replaced. New tires will be needed soon. They kept the bike for a week because I was going to be out of town, not because it took them this long.
When I went to pick up the bike, the odometer switch did not work. They immediately got Gary to come look at it and offered me a loaner bike. Gary only took about two minutes to fix it so the loaner was not needed. But, I definitely appreciated it.
2/25/09 Dropped the bike off at KC's. 75,810 miles.
I have an appointment at KC’s Powersports to get my routine maintenance done. This go round will be a major service that includes replacement of all fluids, oil filter, air filter. This comes with a great number of inspections as well. Normally this service would cost $650+. However, I have the prepaid maintenance program. If you could calculate what this service cost me through the program it would be about $200.
They also will replace my left handle bar control switches under warranty. Some of the switches are sticking.
MODIFICATIONS
Fog lights
Luggage rack
Highway pegs
Power socket
Passenger CB switch/volume control
Due to the flat from last weekend we had to get a new rear tire. The new tire is a Dunlop K630 which happens to be stock from the factory. I want to replace them with a better tire if one is available. I went to several manufacturers web site and there are very few replacements available. The new tire was purchased and installed at Elk River Powersports while we waited.
Installed new windshield
This years Ninja 250 red lines at 13000. The power doesn't really kick in till about 8500 RPMS. First gear was so low that we decided to change the counter sprocket and went from a 14 tooth to a 16. The 16 didn't quite fit, so a minor modification was made to the sprocket cover. You cannot see the mod unless you pull the cover. Then it was necessary to buy a chain two links longer. After riding it with the new sprocket, it still has all the power at the higher RPMS but, it will now cruise along with the big bikes without winding it up so tight.
I also purchased a larger after market windshield for it. I haven't decided if that was a good modification or not.
Wes finally got enough miles to satisfy the break in period. It is a very good motorcycle for its size.
2000 Kawasaki Ninja 250
This bike is for sale. Contact me for details.
MY ROUTINE CLEANING RITUAL
I never use high pressure water or a hose with a spray nozzle. A garden hose with a small steady stream is enough water to clean the dirtiest bikes. Although motorcycles are supposed to be water proof under normal conditions, forcing water into electrical switches and cracks actually forces dirt into areas where you don’t want it.
My bikes are covered in plastic which makes them much easier to clean. I have had cruisers and this also works on them, it just takes longer and you will need a couple of soft brushes designed to get into small areas.
Don’t over use your micro fiber rags. I wash mine with a tiny amount of laundry detergent once or twice and then I replace them or use them for greasy work where I will through them out. A new rag is extra soft and will not cause scratches.
Normal Post-Ride Cleanup
(summertime dry weather)
1. I have a 32 oz spray bottle that contains just enough car wash soap to change the color (about 1 tablespoon) and the rest is pure tap water. I have found that cheap soap works fine for this process. Car wash specific soap is not supposed to cut through wax or leave a residue.
2. One bucket of plane clear water and a clean wet micro fiber rag.
3. Spray a section of the bike with the soap mixture. Wipe it with the rag. Dip the rag in the bucket and wring out where the dirty water runs out on the ground, not in the bucket. Repeat on the next section. No water hose is necessary.
4. For areas with heavy bug deposits, spray the area and let set for 15 minutes before wiping.
5. Treat chrome areas the same but, make sure you get as much water out of the rag as possible. Chrome has to be dried to prevent water spots.
6. I have never found an easy way to clean wheels. It takes lots of elbow grease.
Normal Post-Ride Cleanup
(summertime wet weather)
Take a wet micro fiber rag. Do not wring it out. Wipe the road spray, dirt and grime off. Rinse your rag frequently to prevent scratching painted surfaces. Most wet road spray contains fine particles of dirt that will scratch every surface, especially windshields.
Then follow the steps above.
