Top 10 Newbie Mistakes

Hey tw21776
I didn't understand these two points.
OEM means "a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part", right? So do you mean that the original Suzuki suspension parts are no good?

I've just had one of my tyres replaced by what I believe to be a competent recommended mechanic. It seems fine. Should I have specifically asked him to change the stems too? Is it common for an experienced mechanic to not do this, or is this just a newbie issue?

thanks

The original Suzuki suspension was made to function decently. However, it is 25+ years old, out of date, and most likely worn out. Current suspension parts are far better than the original suspension, even when it was new.
You should always specify that the valve stems are changed as well. "Normally" it will be listed on the invoice if he replaced it.
OEM actually refers to the computer seller's practice to have parts manufactured by someone else and branded with the seller's brand. Here it just means Suzuki parts, or original parts sold on the bike when it was new.

[Buffalo Bill]

Rule number one, R-T-F-M!

How bout not buying and reading the service manual?

Most newbie questions can be answered in 1 min. by just looking at the troubleshooting guide.


Rule #2, If you want an intelligent answer, ask an intelligent question.

Anytime I change the tire, I have the valve stem changed as well, be it on my car or on the motocycle, they are a rubber part, can harden and stiffen up and cause a leak, so it's easier to change while the tires are already off

Running OEM suspension front or back...

Replacing your old tires and not replacing the most likely OEM valve stems.

Hey tw21776
I didn't understand these two points.
OEM means "a replacement part made by the manufacturer of the original part", right? So do you mean that the original Suzuki suspension parts are no good?

I've just had one of my tyres replaced by what I believe to be a competent recommended mechanic. It seems fine. Should I have specifically asked him to change the stems too? Is it common for an experienced mechanic to not do this, or is this just a newbie issue?

thanks

That needs to be made a STICKY!!

(Not that it will ever be read, though )

.

I'm reading it

Putting on your carbs and forgetting to put on the fuel line beforehand.

Hey I resemble that remark,don't have to be a noob to do that one

Putting on your carbs and forgetting to put on the fuel line beforehand.

How about believing a single word the PO tells you about the bike?

Present company excluded, of course.

A "good" shop is typically equated to no SuzuKawaHonamaha signs outside and the mechanic/owner isn't emblazoned with said sponsorship on their uniform while they are trying to sell you the newest bike on the market and asking what maintenance issues you may be having with your bike.

Brad bk

Trying to get round a 90 deg bend, at night, on a illegal race tuned GT125, with the law on your tail, hitting the curb.... staying on.... doing a series of turns and burns.... loosing the law, ending up 6 miles from the safety of home... with no juice... and having to push the little screamer up god knows how many hills whilst whilst tryng to keep a low profile from the local law, who are now on the hunt.

Yep I got home. Nope I didn't get busted. Yep it took me hours. Nope I didn't learn.

Very nice stuff on here, This one is more for laughs but i could see it happening
15) Getting really nice and intoxicated and decide to fix some things on your bike... then waking up the next day and hop on your bike with some unfamiliar sounds, if it starts at all!

Or deciding you can carry your engine all the way across the yard after using aircraft stripper and a brush to get the clearcoat off earlier in the day when you used the dolly to get it over there in the first place. And wondering why your back hurts so bad the next morning... Hypothetically, of course.

Very nice stuff on here, This one is more for laughs but i could see it happening
15) Getting really nice and intoxicated and decide to fix some things on your bike... then waking up the next day and hop on your bike with some unfamiliar sounds, if it starts at all!

This guy http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=179939

[Joneman]

torque wrench

Thinking that having the right tool means you will do it right. 40 ft-lb is less than hand-tight, and the wrench "click" is pretty quiet... A few sprocket nuts and bolts later, I now know better

Trusting a shop (stealership especially) will do a good inspection of your bike and that it means its safe to ride. If you need help with something, go to a small shop with guy who has his reputation on the line... I now know that chain maintenance is REALLY important, and a chain that comes off (no even break) can still do a lot of damage - I am taking out my gearshifting shaft and clutch shaft to straighten them out as the chain bent them pretty bad. Which means I have to take my clutch apart first

Nowif only i had these when i started out, life would have been sooo much simpler and incident free. Can't think of any new ones to add, most of my clangers have been covered in one way shape or form.