Doing the maintenance on your own motorcycle can be very rewarding. It allows you to understand your bike better, and it helps you understand why something fails and what could be the culprit, plus you gain a more intimate understanding of your bike. Talk to anybody who has done a lot of maintenance or customized their bike. They talk about their bikes completely differently. As though they were talking about a close friend. Contrast to the way someone who buys off the showroom floor and does nothing more but ride it (not that there is anything wrong with that).
There are a slew of tasks that most at home mechanics can do themselves. However, the key to success is three key points that my father gave to me in my youth.
- Knowing your own limits. Embarking on a job that you are not sure how to do can lead to problems quickly Never be afraid to admit failure and take your bike to a real motorcycle mechanic. However on the same hand, many jobs look very intimidating while the actual task can be quite simple. The first time I installed a jet kit, I was reluctant to attempt this on my own. But now, jet kits pose no problem. More recently I felt this same anxiety when it was time to adjust Ducat 2V desmo valves - but that too, turned out to be much easier than I expected.
- Take your time. This is a big one. Avoid the temptation to rush through a job. As soon as you get into a hurry, you will start to skip steps and find yourself in way over your head.
- Do not force anything. There are few components on a motorcycle that require force to remove or install. If something is reluctant to move, you've missed something. Stop what you are doing and back up. There is probably a small fastener that you overlooked that is holding the whole thing together. I once saw a fellow who managed to destroy his engine when he got frustrated and tried to pry it apart with a crowbar. If he would have looked a little closer he would have noticed that he missed one bolt that was buried below the cam.
But, before you decide to do your own maintenance there are a few things you should have in hand:
Tools
Have good assortment of metric wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers. The bigger the assortment the better. When you don't have the proper tool, go out and buy it even if it is a very specialized tool. You'll use it again. If it's a tool that you will use a lot, go the extra mile and get the one with a lifetime warranty. If it's a tool that will be used very infrequently, go to Harbor Freight and get it. No lifetime warranty, but if you rarely use it, it will probably last your lifetime.
Service Manuals
I prefer Factory Service Manuals. The ones produced by Honda, Suzuki, Ducati or whomever. These will give you all the information you need to do any task you can think of. It is the same manual that the pros use. But be aware, some of these run up to $100 in price. However, I've noticed that Ducati factory manuals work best when used in conjunction with a Haynes manual.
Torque Wrench
These allow you to very accurately set exactly how tight you should snug a bolt. Your shop manual will have these specs for you. It will specify that your spark plugs should be torqued to 8 ft.lbs (example) while your caliper bolts should be torqued to 23 ft. lbs.. It ensures that bolts are as tight as they need to be without risking stripping threads. However, not all torque wrenches are created equal. Be willing to spend a little extra to get a good one. I bought my current one at Sears for $69, and it is one of the best values as far as torque wrenches. Also, remember to park your torque wrench at 10 ft. lbs before putting it away. This ensures that it will remain accurate for years to come. (Also, dropping torque wrenches can ruin them)
Hex Socket Set
A metric hex socket set will be of great value to you. It seems like most things on modern sport bikes are attached with hex-head bolts. This allows for much more efficiency, control and fewer chances of scratching things using the traditional allen wrench. And for only $28 you can't go wrong. I find these little guys get used more than any other tool in my toolbox. You can attach them to screwdrivers or even T-handles for quicker use. If own a Triumph, you'll also need a Torx set.
Impact Driver
An impact driver is basically a big screwdriver that ratchets when you hit it with a hammer. You use it when a screw is starting to strip because it's too tight to get it off with a conventional screwdriver. Because you use a hammer to make it turn, there is plenty of pressure on the head of the screw. While I, hopefully, never have to use it, these things have saved the day for me many times.
Loctite
Loctite 242 Blue
You'll want this when you start putting things back together. Avoid using the RED Loctite. Red is permanent and used for internal engine components while the BLUE is used on almost everything else. Your service manual will explain where Loctite should be used. You can get Loctite just about anywhere, including Checker Auto Parts or Sears.
Anti-Seize
This stuff is amazing when it comes to motorcycles. Designed to keep spark plugs from getting seized into aluminum heads. It is also fantastic for any bolt that goes into aluminum. Most of our bikes (mine included) have an aluminum frame. I use this stuff on the bolts that hold my tank on, my faring, and any other bolt that goes into aluminum. I even use anti-seize on the single sides swingarm bolt on the Hawk and the S3! Anti-Seize is pricey, but worth it. You can get it at most auto part stores.
Dielectric Grease
Another product intended for spark plugs. This grease was designed to put on the tops of the spark plugs to ensure a good connection with your wires. However, using a very small amount of this stuff between every electrical connection on your bike, before you plug things back in, can save hours of stress by eliminating many electrical problems (some before they occur). Again this stuff is pretty pricey for the tiny tube it comes in, but well worth it.
Patience
Having the ability to slow down and take your time will take you farther than anything else during your jobs. Being willing to go slow will increase your success rate and that will increase your confidence. Take your time to research the project before you start, or read the entire section in your new service manual. Odds are, you will be able to finish the work and be out riding again in less time then taking your bike to the shop.
You can find any Craftsman tool at http://www.craftsman.com . I am a big fan of Craftsman tools because they are affordable, high quality, have a lifetime guarantee and are relatively to come by (unlike other quality tools like Snap-On). You'll quickly find that quality tools are worth their weight in gold because they are less likely to round off bolts and screws.
I have found that the more I work on my bikes, the more I enjoy it and look forward to it. Plus the financial advantages are tremendous. I can spend $90 in parts and a tool, (that has a lifetime guarantee) spend a couple hours doing the work myself, and come out $200 less that what a shop quoted me for the job. Plus, doing your own work allows you to go the extra mile. You can clean things and adjust things along the way that most shops don't have time to bother with. Just remember, if you are not comfortable attacking the job, go to the real mechanic. They have expertise and experience to draw from that the home mechanic doesn't.