Bump the algorithm so Ben can buy more gaming cabinets. 😁😊

I have the advantage of being a retired auto mechanic and Born with a wrench in my hand. I have never returned a bike to any dealer for warranty, as I never had a major problem and lack if warranty on the bikes I purchased. The Japanese manufactures have a reliable bike....now that being said if I ever purchased an exotic bike, and that would be a BIG if, I would do the first service st the dealer for sure. I am and will always be a hands on rider and fixer. My dad said it best...a jack of many trades and a master at none. I have no problem going into an engine to the point of splitting cases, but not everyone does. The video was great...informative and proves that the key is preventive maintenance is better than a component failure. Keep up the good work, guys and gals. Garth

Thank you guys for the confidence, inspiring chat, I think a number of us out here have apprehension about working on our own bikes, but if you take a phrase for an unnamed company, just do it, can work. Thank you for your time and your content always fabulous.

Pro-tip: Remember to include (in your tire repair kit) a means of pumping air into your tires. Either CO2 cartridges or, better, a small reliable air pump that gets its power from your bike's 12V battery. You can plug the pump into your SAE accesory connector on your battery unless the pump requires more current than the fuse in the SAE cable can support. In that case the pump will clip directly onto your battery terminals.

thx for the reminder about battery tenders. just ordered a 4 bike tender from amazon and a bunch of matching leads to put on all the little batteries, all snug in their holders. My old GS has one of these leads and it's so helpful to just plug it in without having to lift the seat, open whatever is covering the battery, connect the leads, leaving the seat off. Icky.

When you do your oil change, take a sharpie and write the date and mileage on the filter for when it will be due next.

That SAE connector, unfused, makes a great battery jumper. Just need a 4-6ft normal straight thru SAE/SAE and one reversal plug and you can jump a motorcycle from another likewise enabled motorcycle.

Right on Grace! Warm sun sounds better than Winter camping right now... LOL. I do all my own maintenance except for warranty work. Much cheaper and I KNOW what was done. I am ''one'' with the machine. Reason being is that I found axle pinch bolts loose; a shifter not tightened; motor mount bolts that weren't torqued properly and the absolute worst...I took the word of a dealership that my bike was ready to ride and that's what I did. Made it less than 50 miles when the transmission burnt up. Hmm, no fluid. They serviced everything but, failed to put oil in the transmission after it had been drained. Too many hands in the process. They were great about the whole thing and made it right replacing the transmission as they realized right away what had happened, but daaaaang. Always check your fluids before starting after dealer service! Air pressure after tire mounting ect.😎

Thank you for doing this, it's an excellent topic. What did we do before KZread?? I have two requests for " possible" future topics. 1) how to use the different navigation apps for old non-tech savvy guys like me. 2) what recommendations do you have for medical evacuation/ travel insurance. Thanks in advance.

It's funny you had this topic at this time. I've grew up racing motocross and hare-scrambles here in NW Ohio starting at the age of 5 and by the time I was 11 or 12 I could pretty much disassemble and reassemble most of a dirt bike by myself. I never got into splitting cases and dealing with all that, but I can do top end rebuilds, cam swaps, stator replacement, clutch replacement, rebuild a carburetor, etc. Now fast forward 37 years to the present day where I buy a new TransAlp and decide I'm going to install my own crash bars. How hard could it be? It's only 10 bolts after all. Yeah well, this dumb-dumb somehow managed to cross thread one of the engine mounting bolts that threads directly into the engine case totally ruining the first 5-6 threads. To make matters worse, access to the rear of that mounting boss is super tight unless you want to pull the header and radiator. With the first threads being the ones messed up I couldn't simply run a tap in from the front side as it would want to follow the bad threads. After being in a full on panic for about 3 days I finally collected myself, thought rationally, and figured out a way to finagle a thread chasing tap up in that tiny confined area and get it started to fix the affected threads. Got it all sorted in the end and all is well now, but for about a week I just felt like someone had sucker punched me in the gut over that mistake. So the moral of the story is even us seasoned wrench twirlers have brain-farts and make major mistakes from time to time. Turn wrenches long enough and you're bound to get yourself into some real pickles - whether it's twisting the head off a bolt trying to loosen it, stripping out some threads in the worst possible location, dropping a nut or bolt down into somewhere you DO NOT want a stray nut or bolt, etc. Those pesky little motorcycle gremlins are real and they will pay each and every one of us a visit eventually.

As someone who lives in an apartment and is prohibited from doing maintenance in my garage, it would be really cool to see some public garage space for stuff like this

@devenbenavides1063

2 ай бұрын

do they audit your garage for spills? Lame rule

@dpr8ter

2 ай бұрын

@@devenbenavides1063 It's pretty standard for apartments, and there are cameras in the garage (good for security, not great for getting away with an oil change)

@michaelkrenzer3296

2 ай бұрын

Autozone parking lot was where I did my work when I spent my one year in an apartment.

@garygardner9677

2 ай бұрын

I've done oil changes at auto parts stores and quick lube shops while traveling across the country.

Fortunately I grew up on a farm and I’m quite mechanically inclined. I owned a semi for 20 years, I always did my maintenance and repairs that I could myself. I have a big allergic reaction to paying someone $100.00++ per hour for what I can do. There are some things I’m not equipped to do at home or have the knowledge to do. Grace seems to get a shade of red with the twerking comment🤣. Oil drain plugs in an aluminum case on the bikes I will commonly torque to spec because aluminum is touchy. And you don’t want a drain plug coming loose and loosing your oil. A note regarding skid plates, my recommendation is always use a bit of blue Loctite on those bolts/screws.

I do all of my own maintenance with the exception of the first service (just a thing that I like to do and have “on record”). This has been the case for of our machines. Japanese bikes of all kinds and sizes/types, Sypder RTs, and multiple BMWs. I won’t say I enjoy it but I get satisfaction out of knowing it is done right and that it cost me a lot less. When special tools are required (I try to do complete research before starting) I will try to acquire them. In the odd case that i cannot then I will take it in. In the end do what works for you. Take it in or do it yourself. Be you.

Lol, what was that podcast rated anyway? Spooning, grunting, keep it lubed. Love listening on my commute! Keep up the good work.

I can do maintenance on my own, but prefer to be in Group #3 because I don't want to deal with recycling Oil and don't have time to do it myself. Side note: Batteries can be dangerous if it's Charging. The process of charging creates Hydrogen gas (or a variant) inside the battery. IF (big IF) that gas leaks, AND you spark that hydrogen, it will explode. This was intentionally demonstrated to us in Auto-Shop. This is where the fear comes from. This is why, when you're jumping a vehicle, the Ground (Black) clamp is connected last, AND its connected to Bear Metal, NOT the (-) post on the battery.

Few bikes are as laborious for an oil change than the KTM 640 LC4. Multiple oil filters, oil in the frame to burp to prevent cavitation but once you get familiar it's not a big deal.

Also wanted to say to those who aren't experienced or comfortable working on their own bike, the best advice I can give you is to remember that it's just a bunch of nuts and bolts holding everything together and you all know how to remove/install a nut and bolt. What most people lack is the self-confidence to take the plunge and venture into the unknown. I tend to be that way myself in other areas of life. My advice for that is to find a friend or riding buddy who's more experienced turning wrenches and ask them to supervise or coach you through different simple things like removing/reinstalling the wheels, changing a sprocket and change, replacing a tube in a tire, etc. Having a knowledgeable friend there will help put your mind at ease as you know you've got back-up who can get you back on the right track if things go astray. The other tip I would offer up is to buy a factory TSM (tech service manual) for your bike. This is the same manual the dealer mechanics use and is 100 times better than any Clymer or similar consumer manual you will find.

I use the used engine oil to fry potato french fries. I still use a torque wrench on the engine oil drain plug every time. The Honda may have an allen head drain bolt because the bolt's head does not stick out as much as a hex head bolt (to fit a wrench & socket). This results in a tad more clearance to the ground, rocks, logs,.. and cannot get caught on things when riding.

My thoughts on chain maintenance. I’m my DR650 I had for 4 years I cleaned the chain and used chain wax on it every 150-200 miles. It was on the third chain when I sold it with about 16,000 miles. Last spring when I got my AT I equipped it with a Scottoiler right away and it now has the same millage on it as my DR650 when I sold it and it’s chain has only needed to be adjusted 3 times, there is lots of miles left in that chain and I attribute that to the auto oiling system 100%! IMO a chain drive bike is almost as maintenance free as a belt or shaft drive.

@d0od46

2 ай бұрын

I purchased a AT with 63k miles and a Scottoiler on it. I don't know if he had it adjusted wrong but the bike had 1/2" of road grime everywhere, super nasty and a pain in the ass to clean off. I promptly removed it, no amount of reduced chain maintenance is worth that mess. Not to poo poo what you did, and I admit I didn't check to make sure it was oiling the right amount.

@myronhorvathsk

2 ай бұрын

@@d0od46 it wasn’t set right. When set properly they don’t make that kind of mess. That little reservoir should last about 1000 miles on one fill.

Clean/Lube Chain: Every evening after a ride or the night before a ride. As part of your T-CLOCKS. Cleaning is to save your chain and sprockets from wear. Lube is to make a water barrier to avoid surface rust. The X/O/Z chains have the lubricant sealed inside the X/O/Z rings.

I actually ended up swapping a battery on my CB500X before I rode it for the first time. I learned from cars that you can actually get pretty handy even if you didn’t grow up being taught mechanics. Eventually the limitation are your tools and workspace, which is where it’s good to employ the help of others.

As a recent retiree and a fixed income, I have the time it's the money that I do pay attention to. A BIG consideration for my selection in motorcycles is if I can do all the routine maintenance and change wear items myself. In my case I'm comfortable with valve adjustment using screw and nut so I do NOT have to deliver the bike to a dealership for an overnight stay. Some brands however make no bones about it, they have no intention for user serviceability and I respect that however its not for me. (Ducati & KTM are off my list though I do like their products).

Warranty protection in the US is covered by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty act. Super condensed version, unless the service, including consumables, are provided by the manufacturer (not dealer), warranty cannot be denied based on the work being done by someone other than their authorized representative using their consumables. There are caveats but none that should concern you if you are doing it and can prove it regarding things like oil changes.

Love the podcast! I have a question about the training podcast. Where do you find training to do? Is there a resource for finding training for a less experienced adventure rider?

@DorkintheRoad

2 ай бұрын

Easiest way is just to google "ADV Training (your area)" or just sign up for a course at a rally.

@DorkintheRoad

2 ай бұрын

Also this: ridebdr.com/training/

"A man has to know his limitations." Dirty Harry You have to know your limits. I can change a tire, change the oil and tighten the chain. I knew 2 guys who both had their brakes lock up on them, one was going 3 mph the other one was going 35 mph (he ran into a ditch). Both of them worked on their own brakes. You don't have the technical knowledge nor the experience of a motorcycle mechanic that works on motorcycles every day. I also take my bike to the dealership 1-2 x yearly, oil changes, new tires, following the maintenance schedule. I'll wait and grab something to eat at the local Burger King and read a book, it gives me a piece of mind that a trained professional is looking over my bike. I know my limitations.

Come on people….. 500 views and only 60 thumbs up!!!??? EVERYONE HIT THAT THUMBS UP!!!!

Would you say Adjusting the chain is above this level of stuff you were going over? Is that next level?

Oil change... always warm it up or take it for a hard ride right before dumping the oil.

I do all my own maintenance and repair work, and I consider myself a fabulous mechanic. However ---- I ---- do occasionally -----botch things up. I have too many years of experience working on Bicycles, Motorcycles, Hot Rods, Sewing Machines (the most difficult), and anything else that I can dismantle. Ben, don't worry about missing washers. Every mechanic knows that nuts, bolts, washers, and tools are migratory. I hate it when I can't find my 17mm combination wrench that I used just minutes ago. When I give up a long search and go to the refrigerator, to get another beer ----- there it is. One thing I notice is Dirt Bikes, Dual sports, Classic or Retro Street bikes, are a pleasure to work on. Adv Motorcycles are a nightmare, and I can think of no-good reason why that is the case. Adv Motorcycles should be designed to be easy to work on and fixable in primitive situations. Anyway, Safe Travels.

Hello ben! Looking for opinions on either 390 adv or g310gs as beginner ADV? I plan on getting one mostly for off-roading!

@MotoCampAdv

2 ай бұрын

390 adv is better. Wait and get a cfmoto 450 Mt/ibex

You should warm the engine up before you drain the oil, this will make sure all the old oil drains out. I enjoy the videos👍.

A service manual will help if you know how to read and follow directions.. most have step by step instructions (WITH PICTURES).. i am the one you never mentioned and that is grew up riding and working on cars and motorcycle wirh my dad.. also whe i was 8 i took my bicycle completely apart just to see how it worked

Recommended to NOT reuse the crush washer on your oil plug.

Very few people outside the PNW know what a half rack is :)

@DorkintheRoad

2 ай бұрын

that's just sad

I'm putting a rack on my bike that's not an exact fit, getting some experience there. 😅

look up the torque specs for all the bolts on your bike. It's on the internet, and a torque wrench at Harbor Freight or whatever tools shop is near is less expensive than an engine case getting re-threaded, drilling out a broken bolt, etc. Then you know it's in JUST tight enough. Peace of mind. This isn't to raise fear, because when you have a torque wrench and the specs, you are as zen as a cow in the sunshine.

How aboout brake fluid flush/changem is that also part of the maitenance? Have a 2021 bike and the 1K service the dealer said my brake fluid showed too much moisture and charged me $163.00 for the flush...how do I reall know my brake fluid needs changing; go by the manual iterval?

@kawabungah20

Ай бұрын

Brake fluid is hydroscopic meaning it attracts water (magically, through the gaskets and hoses and everytime you top off your brake fluid). Water in your brake system will cause poor brake performance and, worse, corrosion in your brake comments. Therefore, it is important to change brake fluid every two years, assuming normal use. It's worth the $163.00 - learn to flush and bleed your brakes yourself. I used to do my own, but I prefer to pay someone else (qualified mechanic) to do it.

I look at the shaft drive on my gs and say "yup, looks good". That's the extent of my self maintenance. Everything else goes to the dealership.

When you get to the repairs video, separate the video into the repairs done "on the road/trail" and repairs that cannot be done on the trail.

I live on the Canadian Prairies where there are six months at best of rideable weather. I'm old and can't afford to lose a month or two of riding because of the lead time for an appointment. Bike shops are having a hard time finding qualified staff these days. I also have six months of winter to take my sweet time with more involved tasks. That's as good a reason as any to do as much of my own tooling as possible. As you get comfortable doing basic things, you will get more comfortable tackling complex tasks. Knowing you can fix a lot of things will give you the confidence to buy used motorcycles. I hate putting the first scratch on a vehicle. I'd rather let someone else do that and absorb the depreciation that goes with new. I don't compare myself to a professional motorcycle mechanic because I don't need to develop their efficiency. If they don't adhere to a schedule, the shop loses money. I don't have that problem. If something doesn't look right, I can put down the tools for the day and spend all evening or even the next day scouring forums and YT videos for an answer. I can spend a day travelling to nut and bold shops to find the perfect fastener to solve a problem. I'm retired and can spend as much time as needed on any problem. Saving money is my prime motivating factor. Beside saving on routine maintenance, I can also save by buying a used bike that's priced lower because it will need a major service right away. Valve checks and such can be intimidating however their cost is more a factor of the required shop time than any inherent complexity of the task. Bike are so much more pleasant to work on than cars. I can sit on a stool beside the bike and most things are within easy reach. Things are also smaller and lighter than with cars. There's very little crawling under a bike and reaching up to manipulate heavy things. I'll do tasks on a bike that I wouldn't dream of doing on a car because I'm old and creaky.

I did not grow up working on cars as when my dad left the farm, he vowed never to do that again. I grew up watching him and all his professor friends getting ripped off and helpless to do anything about it from dealers to independent mechanics. i vowed I would not be that way and the parental units did the right thing...when the family S10 needed a clutch (again) they sent me to a family friend to do the work under his supervision. I was hooked. It was then survival in College, plus beer money rebuilding motorcycle carbs later in college, and the first few years out of college. Finally, it was because I just prefer to be self-sufficient. Most mechanical work is just following a recipe. If you have the right recipe and right implements, you are gonna get it right. Implements (tools) are cheaper than skilled labor if you do not put a value on your labor.

btw, when buying a new used bike, go over EVERYTHING, because the previous owner(s) may not have been very good at taking care of it (ah-hem...)

Three groups. Those born with a wrench in their hands. Those that can follow a video. And those that should never touch a screwdriver. 😇

i always run into problems with the connectors on the fairings on my 2020 Goldwing!! so many different ones, different methods to remove, have snapped some off, and so fuckin many!! lol. good topic

So far I’m not a fan of tubeless tires. First flat I ever had on a bike was my AT. Tube type tires are not that bad as long as you’re mindful to not pinch the tube. Facebook groups can be helpful, however there can be a fair share of douche canoes there too sadly.

Kawa 1043cc engines (versys and z-bikes) you need to get the air out from the oil filter if you want any oil-p when you start the engine.. 2 person job . Me and my daughter changes on my versys 1000 she starts and look at the oil light and I losen the oilfilter until oil gets out and then tighten So stupid engine

@fredrikoskarsson5604

2 ай бұрын

Ozark backroads has a video about that

I’am such a great mechanic that real mechanics will pay me not to touch anything!! It’s cheaper because they don’t have to fix what I screw up. 👍

Dang, I don’t think any of my friends of friends of friends have their own jets

90 weight gear lube. Super cheap

as a BMW rider I resent that comment😆 I ride an F800GS, I do all my own maint. and mod installs.

@jimbroen

2 ай бұрын

Hex GS-810?

Friends of friends invited Grace to fly private and hang out on a yacht, fish and drink tequila for the weekend? My friends need better friends.

Valve adjustment, for crying out loud! You must learn how to adjust valves.

@garygardner9677

2 ай бұрын

Screw adjusters, yes. Shim and bucket type requires removing the cams to adjust them, so most likely a trip to the dealer for most folks. It's a good thing that they don't need adjustment often.

Nobody cares about your bike more than YOU do. Especially not the so called professionals, not to mention the CRAZY COSTS. Learn to do it yourself. Not that difficult.