Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech suggested maintenance

Hi everyone I got my 2003 BA last Feb with 1140 miles on ut. I have put 500 mi on since then, The bike is running a little rich and popping a little bit u can also smell the gas. I dont know much history. I was wondering what service should be performed the manual suggests interval maint like changing brake fluid and different adjustments on either a mileage or time basis. The bike looks brand new. Other than oil what would u suggest? The nearest dealer is over 60 mi away but since it is long out of warranty should i take it if needed to a local mechanic to chk out?Thanks Bill

Bill, here are some suggestions for the "new to you" bike.

1. You're right, the oil/filter should be done.
2. Also, check the condition of your tires. Check for cracked sidewalls. If you have a lot of cracking, you might want to replace them.
3. I don't think you have to worry about your brake fluid right away but it doesn't hurt to flush the fluid. If you do it yourself, just make sure you don't get any fluid on your paint (brake fluid will ruin paint).
4. Run some Seafoam through your carbs to help free up any gumming that might have taken place.
5. Check your battery connections to see if they are loose.
6. Check the vacuum connectors on the carbs along with the intake rubbers for deterioration.
7. Popping could be coming from the Air Injection if it is still hooked up. That will also cause your pipes to turn blue. Suggest removing it and installing plugs.

Oh, btw, all these suggestions can be done by yourself with relative ease. There is a ton of info here and on Dinqua's site to help.

Thanks Gregger. I did the oil and filter. The pipes are blued out already I replaced battery and checked tires. What do the AI s do other than the obvious and where would i get plugs?Would the AI s cause the gas smell and cause her to run rich. Is seafoam the same as marvel mystery oil and where would i get it? Thanks

Bill,
Welcome to the board. There are a couple of members here that also sell stuff for our bikes, like plugs. They have an excellent reputation. One is Fast Eddy and the other is Brent at New Speedmaster. Here's the link to the AI removal kit on NewSpeedmaster.com clicky here

The AI injects air into the cylinder ensuring all the fuel is burnt. It makes the exhaust hotter, which then causes the bluing on the pipes. Removing it is simple enough, but hang on to the bits and pieces. They may come in handy for the future, as I recently found out.

Seafoam, you can get that stuff at most auto parts stores. Just fill your tank up with gas and then pour in about 4 oz or so and go for a long ride. Usually, I'll put a capful of Mystery Oil in the tank.

Also, keep an extra oil filter with you. The location of the filter is begging for a little rock, or other road debris, to puncture it.

Enjoy your bike!

Don't forget to lube and adjust the chain!

I have no idea what mystery oil is but by name alone, maybe that's the point.

I am Ken Where r u