New to the sport
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Los Angeles, Ca, usa
New to the sport
My dad just fot me a new f4i. I was wondering if anybody hear can give me some advice on how to keep the bike in excellent condition (aside from not crashing that is)
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,037
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From: Dandridge, TN, USA
Re: New to the sport (Kail18)
Have you taken the motorcycle safety course?
Also, I am new to the sport too and it seems that a lot of people recommend frame sliders...cheap and simple, but worth the money.
Also, I am new to the sport too and it seems that a lot of people recommend frame sliders...cheap and simple, but worth the money.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 463
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From: Somewhere, WI
Re: New to the sport (Kail18)
Mechancially: Follow the recommended service intervals. If you're mechanically inclined, buy the factory service manual. If not, make friends with one of your local shop mechanics and have him service it regularly. Primarily. Make sure your oil is changed frequently. Make sure your chain is clean and lubed as suggested, and make DARN sure you have the correct tire pressure 
Cosmetically: Mostly the same as your car, with the exception that I'm not a big fan of "spraying" the bike with the hose when you wash it. When I rinse, instead I spray the sponge till it's full of water, and then wipe the soap off. Shammy it dry, and then wax & detail it. Also, just say NO to tire protectant, and make sure you don't get any on it (like armour-all)
I don't know how much experience you have with motorcycles in general, but honestly, "not crashing it" isn't exactly always up to your control. Take the MSF , buy frame sliders, and buy good gear (it's harder to fix yourself than your bike).
Cosmetically: Mostly the same as your car, with the exception that I'm not a big fan of "spraying" the bike with the hose when you wash it. When I rinse, instead I spray the sponge till it's full of water, and then wipe the soap off. Shammy it dry, and then wax & detail it. Also, just say NO to tire protectant, and make sure you don't get any on it (like armour-all)
I don't know how much experience you have with motorcycles in general, but honestly, "not crashing it" isn't exactly always up to your control. Take the MSF , buy frame sliders, and buy good gear (it's harder to fix yourself than your bike).
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 597
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From: eight one eight
Re: New to the sport (Kail18)
Cleaning:
Use Honda Spray Polish and Cleaner. This thing works wonders. It will take off bugs, grease, sap, everything with ease. I clean my bike every time I go out to ride, and I use this stuff like there's no tomorrow.
Maintanence:
Change your oil on a regular basis (usually 3k, but more often if you ride hard). My repair manual for my GSXR says that you only have to change the oil filter every 11k (I was changing it at every change... $15 per filter= $$$$$) Look into investing in a Scotts reusable oil filter ( http://scottsonline.com/products.php?PartType=12 ) . It's suppose to filter better than paper filters, and you can clean it with carb cleaner every time you change the oil. Always check your chain for too much slack, also if it gets dirty, you can clean it with WD40 and a brush, and relube it. I recommend MOTOREX chain lube with teflon. Alot of lubes fling off and make a mess, but this one sticks nice. Last but definately not least, CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE!!!!! Make sure you check it when the tire is cold (pressure will read higher if it's hot). For your safety, it's important that you have the right pressure.
[Modified by ALL MOTA, 4:54 PM 1/9/2003]
Use Honda Spray Polish and Cleaner. This thing works wonders. It will take off bugs, grease, sap, everything with ease. I clean my bike every time I go out to ride, and I use this stuff like there's no tomorrow.
Maintanence:
Change your oil on a regular basis (usually 3k, but more often if you ride hard). My repair manual for my GSXR says that you only have to change the oil filter every 11k (I was changing it at every change... $15 per filter= $$$$$) Look into investing in a Scotts reusable oil filter ( http://scottsonline.com/products.php?PartType=12 ) . It's suppose to filter better than paper filters, and you can clean it with carb cleaner every time you change the oil. Always check your chain for too much slack, also if it gets dirty, you can clean it with WD40 and a brush, and relube it. I recommend MOTOREX chain lube with teflon. Alot of lubes fling off and make a mess, but this one sticks nice. Last but definately not least, CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE!!!!! Make sure you check it when the tire is cold (pressure will read higher if it's hot). For your safety, it's important that you have the right pressure.
[Modified by ALL MOTA, 4:54 PM 1/9/2003]
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 597
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From: eight one eight
Re: New to the sport (project_mercy)
Mechancially: Follow the recommended service intervals. If you're mechanically inclined, buy the factory service manual. If not, make friends with one of your local shop mechanics and have him service it regularly. Primarily. Make sure your oil is changed frequently. Make sure your chain is clean and lubed as suggested, and make DARN sure you have the correct tire pressure
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