Motorcycle maintenance (03 SV650)

[repoman0]

Hey all,

Anyone have a summary on what should be done monthly / yearly / by mileage? I'm pretty familiar with what to do and how often on my car but not much of an idea on a motorcycle.

Additionally, my friend rode my bike a month or so ago and informed me that I need new front brake pads -- hadn't noticed until I heard them squeaking slightly but apparently they should be stronger. We also think that with the clutch fully squeezed in, it still rubs slightly. It's almost impossible to get to neutral while the engine is running but other than that it doesn't seem to make a difference. Is there a typical way to adjust it?

The bike is an 03 SV650 as in the title with almost 10k miles on it. Am I coming up to any 10k mile or 10 year maintenance items?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[jagec]

Major things that differ from a car:

More frequent oil changes (consult your manual). More frequent tire changes as well. Battery won't last as long, but don't bother changing it until it's a problem.

Chain: lube ever 500 miles or so and check tension at the same time. Tighten as needed. Replacement interval varies, but say 15-30k...check for tight spots, kinks, worn sprocket teeth. Replace the sprockets when you replace the chain, or your new chain won't last as long.

Clutch cable will have adjustments both at the lever and the engine sides. If it's still partly engaged when the lever is pulled in, turn both of them COUNTERCLOCKWISE until it isn't.

Valve adjustment: I think it's due at 500/15k/30k/45k etc on that engine. It will take a few hours and some new tools if it's your first time, or get it done at the dealer ($$)

Fork oil: 2 yrs/10k is what I hear. I don't do mine that often.

Brake fluid: ~2 years.

While you're working on it, be sure to check/tighten all of the bolts that hold the thing together. If a part falls off of a car, you're on the side of the road. If a part falls off of a bike, you're sliding DOWN the road.

How recently has the coolant been changed?

 

[Mandres]

if you aren't a member at www.svrider.com already go sign up and have a browse through their forums. There is all the information you could ever possibly want about that bike over there including maintenance advice.

 

[consolibyte]

If you haven't changed the oil and filter yet, change it. That will likely make neutral easier to find.

You should be able to easily look at the brake pads and tell if you need new ones. At 10k miles, you probably don't unless the previous owner liked to brake hard/often. More than likely, you need to bleed your brakes and change the brake fluid - that will way more to improve brake feel and stiffen up the brake lever than changing pads will. It is normal for brake pads to ever so slightly rub rotors at all times. Squeaking is not a good indicator of needing new pads - most motorcycle brake pads do not have squealers on them.

Check your tires. If they have any dry rot or cracking, replace them. If they are too worn, replace them. Also check the amount of air in them.

There's a wealth of information here: http://www.svrider.com/forum/