bike checklist?

Hi guys,

I am new on here, and just got into motorcycling. I feel I am a good and safe rider, but I am highly lacking skills in the mechanical aspect of bike ownership. I recently bought a 1996 yamaha seca II (XJ600). Everything works and the bike feels good, but the seller had kept it in storage for a long time up to the sale.
I want to take it out for longer rides, but wanted to just check on all the little things that could go wrong with age/storage before I do that.
Is there some kind of checklist or starting point to get into bike maintenance for bikes coming out of storage?

Any help is most appreciated. Thanks!

 

Just some things i can think of
Fresh oil change.
Check front and rear breaks, and lines (if rubber, check DOT dates)
and fresh brake fluid
tires for cracks or damage, and pressure
battery acid lvl
a tune up


and enjoy

 

The best practice is to get ahold of a factory service manual; and then go through the "maintenance" section, item by item, leaving nothing out.

Barring that, here's a basic list for you, all necessary for a proper "recommissioning:"

- check tires, condition, and date codes.

- inspect wheel rims for damage or excessive runout.

- check front and rear brake pads.

- inspect disc brake rotors for damage, wear (thickness), or excessive warpage/runout.

- inspect/lube/adjust/replace final drive chain and sprockets. Keep an eye on the chain. If it "bleeds red" when being lubed and won't hold adjustment, it's rusted internally and will need to be replaced. Always replace both sprockets with a chain.

- check and adjust if needed operation of front and rear brake light switches.

- replace rubber brake hoses (check the mfg date stamped in them).

- unless known to be otherwise, plan on rebuilding the brake master cylinder and caliper(s).

- check and clean/replace the air filter element.

- change all fluids: fork oil, engine oil, and brake fluid.

- check and repair any engine or drivetrain/suspension fluid leaks.

NOTE: almost any original oil seal or engine case gasket will need to be replaced when its cover is removed for the first time.

- check and adjust/lubricate/replace steering head bearings.

- check and adjust/lubricate/control cables and speedometer and tachometer (if applicable) drive cables..

- check and adjust/replace rear shock absorbers.

- electrical system inspection, replace fusebox and most probably alternator brushes.

- check battery condition; replenish fluid (distilled water only!).

- clean the battery terminals.

- check all lights for proper operation and brightness (headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, dash illumination).

- check horns for proper operation and loudness.

- check stator resistance.

- check rotor resistance.

- check battery.

- check coil primary, secondary, plug caps resistance.

- check engine cylinder compression; record your findings.

- check and adjust camchain tensioner.

- check and adjust valve clearances; record your findings.

- drain carbs, check for foreign matter in bowls, install in-line fuel filter.

- check function/operation of fuel petcock; correct any leaks and/or rebuild the petcock if indicated.

After all that (and having corrected anything that needed attention along the way,) you'll have a reliable, usable bike to ride.

Nothin' to it, but you'll need a book.

 

Thanks so much guys!

I really do look forward to the work/getting my hands dirty..but a quick gaze at this list makes it seem like it's wayyy over my head.
anyone know where i can get a service manual? The previous owner didn't have one/didn't provide it upon sale.

so far all i've done is name the bike..haha

 

i would say a local shop, or online , like ebay or another site.

 

:lol: fitz I didn't read that yet, did you paste that from a 'bible' you keep? that's awesome man

 

Go back and read the list carefully. There are only a few items on there that require real "mechanical knowledge" the rest will provide you with an opportunity to get to know the machine and how it works.

A great many of these things can be accomplished before you get your book, if you just apply some common sense.

As above, eBay will be your easiest and cheapest source for a service manual.

Here's a Clymer: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-X ... Literature

If I were you, I'd look for a factory book as well.