CHAPTER THREE
LUBRICATION, MAINTENANCE
AND TUNE-UP
This chapter describes lubrication, maintenance
and tune-up procedures.
Minor problems found during periodic inspec-
tions are generally simple and inexpensive to cor-
rect. However, they could lead to major problems if
not corrected promptly.
Before servicing the motorcycle, become ac-
quainted with the tools and parts available at motor-
cycle dealerships and parts supply houses. Also pay
attention to the various service and maintenance
products such as engine oil, brake fluid, thread-
locking compounds and greases. Refer to Chapter
One.
If this is your first experience with motorcycle
maintenance, start by doing simple tune-up, lubri-
cation and maintenance procedures. Attempt more
complicated jobs as you gain experience.
When inspecting the components mentioned in
this chapter, compare any measurements to the
maintenance and tune-up specifications at the end
of this chapter. Replace any part that is damaged,
worn or out of specification. During assembly,
torque fasteners to the specified torque.
FUEL TYPE
The engine is designed to use gasoline with a pump
octane rating of 86 or higher (or a research octane of
91 or higher). The pump octane rating ([R + M]/2)
is normally displayed at the service station fuel
pump. Using gasoline with a lower octane rating
can cause pinging or spark knock. Either condition
can lead to engine damage.
When adding fuel, note the following:
1. Do not overfill the fuel tank. There should be no
fuel in the filler neck, which is located between the
fuel cap and the tank.
2. When using an oxygenated fuel, make sure it
meets the minimum octane rating.
3. Oxygenated fuels can damage plastic and
painted parts. Be careful not to spill these fuels on
the motorcycle when refueling.
4. An ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) gasoline that
contains more than 10 percent ethanol (by volume)
may cause engine starting and performance prob-
lems.
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
Refer to
Table 1
for maintenance intervals. Strict
adherence to these recommendations helps ensure a
long service life from the motorcycle. If the motor-
cycle is operated in an area of high humidity, the lu-
brication services must be performed more
frequently to prevent rust and corrosion.