Top 10 Newbie Mistakes

[Burque73]

So, you know that little white disc under the cap on fuel additive bottles? It happens to be just a smidge smaller in diameter than the filler hole in the bike's tank.

Been fishing for an hour now...



Oh, this was on my FJR not the GS fwiw.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

So, you know that little white disc under the cap on fuel additive bottles? It happens to be just a smidge smaller in diameter than the filler hole in the bike's tank.

Been fishing for an hour now...



Oh, this was on my FJR not the GS fwiw.

sounds like a great subject for pic of the week photo

[roeme]

Nessism; maybe we should amend point 1b) to account for ultrasonic cleaners? Never dipped my carbs, but it's also possible that mine were never as bad as others.
Also we could adjust 1c) to mention cmsnl.com for the european audience. EDIT: woops already mentioned this two years back, sorry for the repetiion

[Nessism]

Nessism; maybe we should amend point 1b) to account for ultrasonic cleaners? Never dipped my carbs, but it's also possible that mine were never as bad as others.
Also we could adjust 1c) to mention cmsnl.com for the european audience. EDIT: woops already mentioned this two years back, sorry for the repetiion

Done.

Not all ultrasonic cleaners are created equal, though. I've got a crappy one that I don't trust to clean internal passages. I still think carb dip is better.

[bwringer]

Does this need a Spring 2024 bump?

Surely someone out there has invented a whole new Newbie Mistake...


One thing I'm going to mention for our influx of spring newbies is to PAY ATTENTION to where you are posting in the forum. Don't just click the first subforum you see and start blathering; scroll down, look for a technical subforum that seems about right, and post there. This will ensure the maximum visibility and the most expert eyes on your post.

This categorization also greatly helps in preserving knowledge for the future, which is the main point.

The ONLY topics that belong in the first subforum, "Forum Q&A" are, oddly enough, questions about the forum itself. Do NOT put motorcycle questions here.


If you're wondering why no one is responding to your technical question, this is probably why.

On a similar note, do NOT post the same question in multiple sub forums. This will also get you ignored.


Just make an effort; for example, if you're not sure whether something belongs in carb questions or electrical, that's fine. Just pick one and it'll be OK.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

How about:
Don't ride your GS over rocks with a height in excess of the dimension from the ground to your exhaust collector.

[Big Block]

I think the biggest thing is cleaning the carbs. I think some people think it's cosmetic or something. 90% of just purchased a project bike problems are because the carbs aren't properly cleaned. I usually don't even try to start a bike I dragged home until I pull them, clean thoroughly and check #'s on jets and bleeds.

[bwringer]

How about:
Don't ride your GS over rocks with a height in excess of the dimension from the ground to your exhaust collector.

Well, that's just good advice in general when doing inappropriate things with a motorcycle.