New to bikes, what should I check [mechanically?]

corksil · September 19th, 2013, 04:50 PM

Hey I just bought an 09' EX250J, 10k miles on it.

I want to run through the entire bike and check out every single component on it for wear, damage, etc... and do any maintenance required.

Help me make a list of things to do!

So far I'm thinking....

-Oil change and filter
-Front and rear brake pads
-Flush/fill coolant
-Flush/bleed front and rear brake fluid
-Test battery for voltage and charging/output
-Adjust rear spring tension for 160lb rider
-Tire pressure (32 rear, 28 front?)
-Check speedometer with GPS
-Clean/inspect battery terminals
-Valve lash check/adjustment
-Air cleaner inspection/cleaning
-Fuel filter inspection/cleaning
-Lubricate chain and check tension
-Inspect sparkplug coloration/gap
-Clutch cable tension
-Throttle freeplay inspection
-Rear brake freeplay inspection
-Brake rotor thickness (4mm FR/4.5mm RR)
-Inspect choke/idle adjustments

What else would I want to have a look at? I've put ~100miles on the bike and it seems mechanically sound, but I tend to be a little neurotic about maintaining my machines.

Thanks guys!

EDIT -- Future upgrade parts..
-Frame sliders
-Braided SS brake lines

Whiskey · September 19th, 2013, 05:59 PM

The maintenance schedule should help you out.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10577

Do all fluids & filters

There's no preload on the front, no front brake cable (what bike has that

) valves are at 15,000.

It's a wet clutch, using the same oil as the engine so no ATF to change.

Check tyre thread depth

& brake rotor thickness (4mm front 4.5mm rear) if they've been heavily abused.

Fit braided brake lines

Boom King · September 20th, 2013, 06:06 AM

The items on the 600 mile maintenance is a good place to start.

corksil · September 20th, 2013, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corksil

List of Maintenance to be Performed
-Oil change and filter
-Front and rear brake pads
-Flush/fill coolant
-Flush/bleed front and rear brake fluid
-Test battery for voltage and charging/output
-Adjust rear spring tension for 160lb rider
-Tire pressure (32 rear, 28 front?)
-Check speedometer with GPS
-Clean/inspect battery terminals
-Valve lash check/adjustment
-Air cleaner inspection/cleaning
-Fuel filter inspection/cleaning
-Lubricate chain and check tension
-Inspect sparkplug coloration/gap
-Clutch cable tension
-Throttle freeplay inspection
-Rear brake freeplay inspection
-Brake rotor thickness (4mm FR/4.5mm RR)
-Inspect choke/idle adjustments

Future Upgrade Parts
-Frame sliders
-Braided SS brake lines

Thanks - both of you!

So I updated the OP and now this is my list of maintenance. If no one else chimes in by tonight, I'm going to go ahead and place my part-order for the simple things like air/fuel/oil filters, front/rear brake pads, and anything else I've overlooked.

What do you guys think about replacing the spark plugs with new ones and checking for proper plug gaps? After 10k miles, the electrodes might be a little worn, causing widened gap and weak spark. Am I getting carried away here?

Thanks!

Boom King · September 20th, 2013, 12:04 PM

At 10 K miles, if you're already going to pull out the spark plugs to inspect them, I would just go the extra step and replace them for peace of mind.

corksil · September 20th, 2013, 12:08 PM

Alright, I'm going to replace them for five bucks apiece.

The ones I'm looking at are what bikebandit pulled up for the OEM spark plugs... Not sure what type they are.

Are there any aftermarket plugs that people commonly run in the bikes for tiny performance increase etc?

And secondly, does anyone know the coolant capacity of this motorcycle?

I've got my eyes on Maxima Cool-Aide and I'm thinking 2qts should be enough... but I can't find the information on capacity anywhere yet.

Thanks guys!

Boom King · September 20th, 2013, 12:45 PM

Coolant capacity is 1.5L.

Not sure about any performance increase with after market plugs in a bike like this. Perhaps only a perceptual increase through a butt dyno. To get real performance increases, you need to do proper mods.

corksil · September 20th, 2013, 12:53 PM

To gain real performance, upgrade to a 600cc motorcycle. Somehow I doubt that serious performance can be extracted from these bikes.

Honestly I'm a little hesitant to even put frame sliders onto the bike.. I'm not sure I'll have it long.

Can anyone comment on the maintenance list I posted above? Anything else to check or have a look at?

I don't want to miss anything!

CC Cowboy · September 20th, 2013, 01:09 PM

The bike is new to you. I'd go through it and change everything, nothing like starting fresh.

corksil · September 20th, 2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

The bike is new to you. I'd go through it and change everything, nothing like starting fresh.

Do you see anything on that list that I might be overlooking?

I'll pick up some oil/coolant/chain-lube locally today, figure out how to open the PDF manual I have and read it cover to cover, and place my part order this evening.

Once everything arrives, I'll get to work and get it all done in a day.

CC Cowboy · September 20th, 2013, 01:19 PM

Goo over every nut and bolt to make sure they are tight. Clean every inch on motorcycle ( and keep it clean). Then you can see if there are any leaks any where, anytime.

corksil · September 20th, 2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Goo over every nut and bolt to make sure they are tight. Clean every inch on motorcycle ( and keep it clean). Then you can see if there are any leaks any where, anytime.

Thanks, I intend to do just that. I'm a mechanic and very anal about the condition of my machines. Every. Single. Nut. And. Bolt.

I believe the manual calls for 10w-40 for these bikes.. Does anyone run 5w-30 for a little more free-revving? Or would that compromise the high-rpm lubricity?

I run 0w-20 in my car, which is a supercharged honda b-series making ~300whp @ 8400rpm.

Boom King · September 20th, 2013, 01:40 PM

Front and rear suspension check. You could even change the front fork oil if it feels a bit too soft. Lube throttle and clutch cables. Inspect your tires when you do the pressure. If they are the original tires for the 2009, they'll be close to 5 years. Check the gear shift lever for proper tightness. They have fallen off on other owners before.

quarterliter · September 20th, 2013, 08:26 PM

If you ride in cold climates rotella T6 5w40 but if not rotella T 15w40 is the way to go.

corksil · September 22nd, 2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corksil

List of Maintenance to be Performed
-Oil change and filter
-Front and rear brake pads
-Flush/fill coolant
-Flush/bleed front and rear brake fluid
-Test battery for voltage and charging/output
-Adjust rear spring tension for 160lb rider
-Change front fork oil
-Lubricate clutch/throttle cables
-Tire pressure (32 rear, 28 front?)
-Check speedometer with GPS
-Clean/inspect battery terminals
-Valve lash check/adjustment
-Air cleaner inspection/cleaning
-Fuel filter inspection/cleaning
-Lubricate chain and check tension
-Inspect sparkplug coloration/gap
-Clutch cable tension
-Throttle freeplay inspection
-Rear brake freeplay inspection
-Brake rotor thickness (4mm FR/4.5mm RR)
-Inspect choke/idle adjustments
-Check gear-shift lever adjustment/freeplay

Future Upgrade Parts
-Frame sliders
-Braided SS brake lines

Alright, thanks to everyone who contributed! Don't hesitate to mention anything I might have missed in the list above..

September 19th, 2013, 04:50 PM	#1
corksil ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: TC Location: Hawaii Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): A lot. Posts: A lot.	New to bikes, what should I check [mechanically?] Hey I just bought an 09' EX250J, 10k miles on it. I want to run through the entire bike and check out every single component on it for wear, damage, etc... and do any maintenance required. Help me make a list of things to do! So far I'm thinking.... -Oil change and filter -Front and rear brake pads -Flush/fill coolant -Flush/bleed front and rear brake fluid -Test battery for voltage and charging/output -Adjust rear spring tension for 160lb rider -Tire pressure (32 rear, 28 front?) -Check speedometer with GPS -Clean/inspect battery terminals -Valve lash check/adjustment -Air cleaner inspection/cleaning -Fuel filter inspection/cleaning -Lubricate chain and check tension -Inspect sparkplug coloration/gap -Clutch cable tension -Throttle freeplay inspection -Rear brake freeplay inspection -Brake rotor thickness (4mm FR/4.5mm RR) -Inspect choke/idle adjustments What else would I want to have a look at? I've put ~100miles on the bike and it seems mechanically sound, but I tend to be a little neurotic about maintaining my machines. Thanks guys! EDIT -- Future upgrade parts.. -Frame sliders -Braided SS brake lines Last futzed with by corksil; September 20th, 2013 at 10:02 AM.

September 19th, 2013, 05:59 PM	#2
Whiskey ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Morgan Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	The maintenance schedule should help you out. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10577 Do all fluids & filters There's no preload on the front, no front brake cable (what bike has that) valves are at 15,000. It's a wet clutch, using the same oil as the engine so no ATF to change. Check tyre thread depth & brake rotor thickness (4mm front 4.5mm rear) if they've been heavily abused. Fit braided brake lines

September 20th, 2013, 01:09 PM	#9
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	The bike is new to you. I'd go through it and change everything, nothing like starting fresh. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

September 20th, 2013, 01:19 PM	#11
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Goo over every nut and bolt to make sure they are tight. Clean every inch on motorcycle ( and keep it clean). Then you can see if there are any leaks any where, anytime. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

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September 20th, 2013, 06:06 AM	#3
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	The items on the 600 mile maintenance is a good place to start.

September 20th, 2013, 12:04 PM	#5
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	At 10 K miles, if you're already going to pull out the spark plugs to inspect them, I would just go the extra step and replace them for peace of mind.

September 20th, 2013, 12:08 PM	#6
corksil ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: TC Location: Hawaii Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): A lot. Posts: A lot.	Alright, I'm going to replace them for five bucks apiece. The ones I'm looking at are what bikebandit pulled up for the OEM spark plugs... Not sure what type they are. Are there any aftermarket plugs that people commonly run in the bikes for tiny performance increase etc? And secondly, does anyone know the coolant capacity of this motorcycle? I've got my eyes on Maxima Cool-Aide and I'm thinking 2qts should be enough... but I can't find the information on capacity anywhere yet. Thanks guys!

September 20th, 2013, 12:45 PM	#7
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Coolant capacity is 1.5L. Not sure about any performance increase with after market plugs in a bike like this. Perhaps only a perceptual increase through a butt dyno. To get real performance increases, you need to do proper mods.

September 20th, 2013, 12:53 PM	#8
corksil ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: TC Location: Hawaii Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): A lot. Posts: A lot.	To gain real performance, upgrade to a 600cc motorcycle. Somehow I doubt that serious performance can be extracted from these bikes. Honestly I'm a little hesitant to even put frame sliders onto the bike.. I'm not sure I'll have it long. Can anyone comment on the maintenance list I posted above? Anything else to check or have a look at? I don't want to miss anything!

September 20th, 2013, 01:40 PM	#13
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Front and rear suspension check. You could even change the front fork oil if it feels a bit too soft. Lube throttle and clutch cables. Inspect your tires when you do the pressure. If they are the original tires for the 2009, they'll be close to 5 years. Check the gear shift lever for proper tightness. They have fallen off on other owners before.

September 20th, 2013, 08:26 PM	#14
quarterliter ninjette.org guru Name: Kevin Location: Madison Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Ninja 250 Posts: 465	If you ride in cold climates rotella T6 5w40 but if not rotella T 15w40 is the way to go.