Top 10 Newbie Mistakes

[Noreg]

Mineral oil every time

Thank you, the manual wasn't clear. Mineral oil is also cheapest so thats good.

Im so happy I finally have something I can tinker with, as soon as the season approaches Ill change the oil and filter (ordered some new ones, hope they include the o-ring or whatever).

Not sure how winterized the previous owner made it. And it has been started in -4c (it does not run right then, and dies when choke is all the way in unless you give it throttle). But at 15c in the garage it works normally.

Im so annoyed it will still be a couple of months til the snow clears and I can try it out.

[markla]

Mineral oil every time

[Burque73]

Should I use synthetic oil? Can I use mineral oil?

Should I change the winter oil immediately?

I think it has synthetic and its making some white smoke when starting. And I found some oil outside the engine (but that mighr have been previous owner spilling when filling).

I'll bet if you look through this thread you will see "not reading your owner's manual" as one of the mistakes.

As not to be a jerk, the manual will say what type of oil to use depending on the climate you plan on riding in.

It will also mention storage procedures and returning to service procedures (pg 63 in my manual)

You can download a manual for your bike here.

[Noreg]

Should I use synthetic oil? Can I use mineral oil?

Should I change the winter oil immediately?

I think it has synthetic and its making some white smoke when starting. And I found some oil outside the engine (but that mighr have been previous owner spilling when filling).

[Himble]

Winter is near. This REALLY needs a bump.

Actually....summer is here down under (and a significant %age of Australia is burning! ) and it STILL needs a bump!
This was the 1st post I read a few years back before getting my fingers dirty on my GS750EC....oh, that's right, you blokes call it "wrenching"!

[GSXR7ED]

Winter is near. This REALLY needs a bump.

40 days...or so...

Ed

[bwringer]

Winter is near. This REALLY needs a bump.

[Rob S.]

Now you tell me.

Dealers? I wouldn't let them change the urine in my bladder. That's why I walked three miles on Friday through shadeless, over 100 degree heat index to someone I trust.

[Admiral Beez]

Dealer workshops?
Safer to assume they didn't do what you paid them for.

Now you tell me.

[Grimly]

Assuming the factory dealer you had swap your tire would grease your hub joint splines.

Dealer workshops?
Safer to assume they didn't do what you paid them for.

[Admiral Beez]

Assuming the factory dealer you had swap your tire would grease your hub joint splines.

[Grimly]

Exactly why there's a daft little pinhole at the top of the filler neck as breather, to discourage over-filling.
In more temperate climes I get away with enlarging that hole to get the last litre or two in with minimal waiting.

[jsandidge]

Yeah, had that happen to me too a couple years ago. Filled up, drove home 4 miles, and parked in the sun on the centerstand. Didn't know about it for an hour. Fresh paint job was ruined.

[Burque73]

Gas Expands With Heat

Not sure if this mistake made it here yet or not. I filled my tank while visiting with another rider at the pump. Before I knew it I had filled it above the bottom of the filler neck. It was still maybe 3/4" below the cap though. I figured since I was hitting the highway, I'd burn it quickly.

I pulled out of the station and got caught by a red light. Well, my tank is black and it's over 90° F in the shade. That 5 gallons of gas I'd just pumped is now sitting in the sun over a hot engine. It only took ten seconds before it spewed out from under the cap, cascading onto the hot engine. Oh crap! Immediate U-turn back under the shady gas station canopy. The fountain of gas stopped as soon as I got out of the sun, and I washed the mess off of the tank and the engine.

I pondered how to pull a small amount of gas out of the tank without making more of a mess, but didn't come up with any bright ideas. I hoped whatever spewed was enough to get me at least out onto the highway into the wind, so I gave it a shot. Timing the light just right so I didn't have to stop again right away I hit the road. All is well and lesson learned!

[EMFL]

Thanks for providing this info. I am a pro
Ud new owner of an '83 GR650. I have been wanting to rebuild an older bike for a long time. The forum members here are top notch. I hope to return the favor.

Happy Wrenching