I know I’m going to sound like I’m pretty unsafe and irresponsible by this reply, but, I’m wondering when some find the time to ride. I ride nearly daily whenever weather permits – 12 months a year. Because there are only two wheels and ‘tyres’, I do pay a bit of attention to them. Otherwise, I pretty much perform maintenance and visual inspections during those weather created downtimes, recommended maintenance cycles and during washings. Because I use it so frequently, I feel I am more attuned to the condition of the beast and therefore treat maintenance and inspections somewhat like a car. I’ll agree this ‘casual’ approach may not work if ones riding frequency is less than routine – nor will I say that I recommend my approach. I do not do this merely because casual attitude but base it on past experience and wear and failure rates. As examples;
1. I have never lost more than 1 psi of air pressure between checks since owning the bike. I frequently look at the tires for cuts, but check air pressure only on a bi-weekly average – More often when taking long trips.
2. I have never added a drop of oil between changes. So, I religiously check it when washing, and occasionally before daily use and always before a long ride.
3. Pretty much the same for cables, and hoses. Cables are thoroughly inspected, lubed, and adjusted at oil changes, or when the ‘casual’ inspection dictates.
4. My SM didn’t have the squirrel rubbers when new. It has never puddled – probably because the hoses are always vented and drained
Oh, I forgot this - I am REAL anal about my chain. I check clean and wax that puppy to the point of self admitted overkill. I'f I have one real maintenance quirk, that's it.
Last edited by pipedr; 09/16/2005 12:52 PM.
