Maintenance on a 15-20yr old bike
Discussion
I'm in the middle of pulling apart a couple of older bikes (1997 Triumph Speed Triple & 2003 Honda RC51), not that my mechanical knowledge is very good. Just wondering what to refresh whilst I've got it in pieces, fairings off etc. As I would prefer to do everything in one go. Currently my list is:
1. Brakes: New braided brake lines, fluid, pads, maybe disks etc.
2. Full suspension refresh with new oil, seals etc. charge rear shock
3. New tyres, maybe bearings, although they can be a real pain to get out.
4. Oil & coolant change. New battery
What else should I be looking to do while everything is apart, basically so that I don't have to revisit it again in another 10 years? Anything worth replacing that will start to perish?
1. Brakes: New braided brake lines, fluid, pads, maybe disks etc.
2. Full suspension refresh with new oil, seals etc. charge rear shock
3. New tyres, maybe bearings, although they can be a real pain to get out.
4. Oil & coolant change. New battery
What else should I be looking to do while everything is apart, basically so that I don't have to revisit it again in another 10 years? Anything worth replacing that will start to perish?
My bike is a 2002 Aprilia RSV and I'm in the process of changing the fuel pump at the moment, not that I'm suggesting you do that a part of an preventative maintenance but I'm doing the fuel filter and pre-filter/strainer and all in-tank hoses as a matter of preventative maintenance and in taking the fuel pressure regulator off, I've found that the o-ring sealing it into the throttle body had perished to the point of falling apart, so maybe have a look at a few of the fuel-related rubber hoses and seals.
Most things seem to be covered here. I would also recommend you join a bike specific forum to find out what common failures/faults are with the bike and get those potential problems sorted.
e.g. my zx9r has water drain holes in the air box. These drain holes drop water directly onto the valve cover and stick coils. The stick coils then expand in their plug holes to the point where they need to be destroyed to come out. The preventative measure is to plug those drain holes with glue.
Tbh though, I think you might be a bit optimistic with expecting to have to do nothing for the next 10 years on a bike. I also think if you end up doing everything, then you might find the costs of parts might make it uneconomical to do this, and you might as well have used the money for a newer bike.
I would prioritise safety critical items like brakes, suspension, tyres and fuel hoses as you said. Then I'd move on to the mechanical side of things. I would then just inspect the other items which may or may not need replaced and judge from their condition. If bearings are ok, I would just regrease, and only replace those which are needing replaced.
I know you didn't mention it, but when you do the brakes, I would split the calipers (if applicable) and replace all the seals. I'd also consider piston replacement if there's much damage.
e.g. my zx9r has water drain holes in the air box. These drain holes drop water directly onto the valve cover and stick coils. The stick coils then expand in their plug holes to the point where they need to be destroyed to come out. The preventative measure is to plug those drain holes with glue.
Tbh though, I think you might be a bit optimistic with expecting to have to do nothing for the next 10 years on a bike. I also think if you end up doing everything, then you might find the costs of parts might make it uneconomical to do this, and you might as well have used the money for a newer bike.
I would prioritise safety critical items like brakes, suspension, tyres and fuel hoses as you said. Then I'd move on to the mechanical side of things. I would then just inspect the other items which may or may not need replaced and judge from their condition. If bearings are ok, I would just regrease, and only replace those which are needing replaced.
I know you didn't mention it, but when you do the brakes, I would split the calipers (if applicable) and replace all the seals. I'd also consider piston replacement if there's much damage.
On the Triple I would replace the hoses on the IACV (Idle Air Control Valve).
The original plastic ones aren't up to the job (cheap plastic) over time they come loose and fall off, resulting in poor running and cutting out when you coast to a stop at a junction.
You can spend about 30 quid on OEM replacements but I found that a couple of quid on a metre of 5mm bore rubber fuel hose cut to the right lengths is a better solution.
The original plastic ones aren't up to the job (cheap plastic) over time they come loose and fall off, resulting in poor running and cutting out when you coast to a stop at a junction.
You can spend about 30 quid on OEM replacements but I found that a couple of quid on a metre of 5mm bore rubber fuel hose cut to the right lengths is a better solution.
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