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BassCliff
Guest
Greetings and Salutations!!
Greetings and Salutations!!
Hi Mr. volvo64,
It seems I have not properly welcomed you to the forums. Start here: New Members, CLICK HERE!! and start reading. The "mega-welcome" contains a couple of maintenance lists. You must properly address each item on the lists in order to have a safe and reliable 30 year old machine. Skipping steps or taking shortcuts are not good for motorcycles and other living things. Visit my little website for "how to" guides that address most of the normal maintenance procedures and also a lot of other information.
Use Rotella-T 15w40 diesel engine oil for your motorcycle. Other diesel oils are OK too (Castrol Tection 15w40, Valvoline Premium Blue 15w40, etc). I buy whatever's on sale when the time comes. The diesel engine oil has more zinc and phosphorous additives that these old air-cooled engines love. AND it's much cheaper than "motorcycle" oil.
You have a 30 year old motorcycle that probably needs 20 years worth of maintenance. You will have to spend some time and money getting everything back into roadworthy condition. For example, how old are the tires? See my website for how to check the date code. I would not ride on a tire more than 4 years old. Have you serviced the brake system? Chances are the calipers and master cylinders need to be rebuilt, and the brake lines are supposed to be replaced every two years. I'll bet they've never been replaced. When you do replace them, use stainless steel braided lines. At the very least you need to change the brake fluid and check the pads. But remember, taking shortcuts can be dangerous. Go through the maintenance lists and do it right the first time. You'll be glad you did.
Note: See the r/r and stator guides on my website and check in the electrical section for more charging system troubleshooting tips and procedures.
Welcome to the forum. Keep us informed.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
Greetings and Salutations!!
Hi Mr. volvo64,
It seems I have not properly welcomed you to the forums. Start here: New Members, CLICK HERE!! and start reading. The "mega-welcome" contains a couple of maintenance lists. You must properly address each item on the lists in order to have a safe and reliable 30 year old machine. Skipping steps or taking shortcuts are not good for motorcycles and other living things. Visit my little website for "how to" guides that address most of the normal maintenance procedures and also a lot of other information.
Use Rotella-T 15w40 diesel engine oil for your motorcycle. Other diesel oils are OK too (Castrol Tection 15w40, Valvoline Premium Blue 15w40, etc). I buy whatever's on sale when the time comes. The diesel engine oil has more zinc and phosphorous additives that these old air-cooled engines love. AND it's much cheaper than "motorcycle" oil.
You have a 30 year old motorcycle that probably needs 20 years worth of maintenance. You will have to spend some time and money getting everything back into roadworthy condition. For example, how old are the tires? See my website for how to check the date code. I would not ride on a tire more than 4 years old. Have you serviced the brake system? Chances are the calipers and master cylinders need to be rebuilt, and the brake lines are supposed to be replaced every two years. I'll bet they've never been replaced. When you do replace them, use stainless steel braided lines. At the very least you need to change the brake fluid and check the pads. But remember, taking shortcuts can be dangerous. Go through the maintenance lists and do it right the first time. You'll be glad you did.
Note: See the r/r and stator guides on my website and check in the electrical section for more charging system troubleshooting tips and procedures.
Welcome to the forum. Keep us informed.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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