[alex92]

Im just getting started with bikes and I don't know all that much about them but I'm keen to learn. I don't have a great deal of time on my hands, and I'm not particularly mechanically minded but I'm a quick learner.

Just got an MC22 which is dry because the bike hasn't been ridden in 3 months, so obviously I just need to lube it up which is easy enough. If I decided to put a new chain on it, would you guys think it would be OK for me to do myself, or is this something it's better to just get a mechanic to do?

Because I know you need to break the old chain, cut the new chain to size, and then rejoin the new chain?

What about removing wheels, replacing brake pads, changing oil and oil filter, replacing seals and bearings etc..?

Also, what tools are essential for me to keep? My Dad's tool kit is useless so I might go buy a decent tool kit. Would Bunnings have what I require or would I need to go to a specific bike shop?

Also, do you guys recommend I invest in a stand? Just a rear stand or should I get front aswell?


Thanks alot
Al

 

[Big Al]

It's all easy enough to do if you have the tools. Your best bet would be to scour the old forums for info, and grab the service manual off the link on there.

 

[Hessian]

Hi alex92, welcome to the new forums.

When I first got my MC19 5 years ago now I had no idea about engines of motorbikes. 6 months after it was on the road I moved away from home and my dads meagre set of tools in his shed. I'll tell you what I've learnt...

You need
High quality screwdrivers - long and short ones
Easy outs
A good set of spanners
A good set of sockets
An extension for your socket wrench
Long allen keys
Short allen keys
A decent knife
Carb cleaner
WD40
Degreaser
A collection of 8,10 and 12mm nuts and bolts
Duct Tape
Masking Tape
Thinners
Grease
Gasket Goo
Permatex #3 Aviation Sealant
Steel wool
Oil pans
Funnel
Battery Charger (a good one)
Tarps or bike cover
Toolbox
Dolphin Torch
Workbench
Vice (is nice)
Drill (cheapies are fine)
Carb balancer (not essential)
An air compressor comes in handy from time to time (Supercheap have some for $159 at the moment)
Rubber mallet
SNAP LOCK BAGS AND A PERMANENT MARKER

Take care of your tools. Put them back when you finished with them. Dont get them wet. Clean up when you're finished. Keep your work area tidy. Know when to call in professional help if out of your depth. If its not broken dont fix it. When dismantling stuff, put it in a bag and label each component. Take photos. Carbs are the devil. Air leaks are also the devil. Sometimes you can fix it with a hammer - sometimes not. Let the air out of your compessor when finished. Take your time with spray painting. Patience is a very important tool. Find a friendly bike shop. Spend some cash there, grease some palms, get onto a firstname basis. Cover your bike/s.

 

[K916]

I started with a set of sockets, open, fixed and ring spanners, screwdrivers. Then bought stuff as and when I needed it.

Get the best you can afford. Its an investment for life.

 

[The Dwarf]

You should maybe buy a cbr400 haynes manual.
The 400 is pretty much a bigger version of the 250 and the haynes will give you a good idea how to go about most things.
Anything the 400 manual doesnt cover post here for the solution.
Paddock stands are a great investment!
Oil and filter are easy proceedures that can be done by most carefull people.
I use a grinder to get the old chain off and to cut links in the new one.
Buy tools as you need them cos they cost a FORTUNE if you buy all at once.
Get a socket set, screwdriver set and spanner set to start.
Good luck!

 

[Scotty]

i'm with K916, get the best tools you can afford. better still, save a bit longer to get better ones. take a good socket set for instance, if you pay around $150-$200 for a quality set like sidchrome or kingchrome or even metwrench you'll be glad you did as they will last forever and won't strip your nuts/bolts.

basically stay away from cheap tools as they will give you more work/dramas when you use them as the will strip bolts/nuts/screws.

i started out with a set of supatools sockets that had both 1/2 & 1/4 inch drive in the set, a set of stanley screwdrivers and a decent set of open/ring ended spanners. lasted me ages, infact i've still got them all and they're still useable but i've since bought higher quality tools.

 

[ontik]

Very few of the items on Hessian's list are overkill. However, you buy each of those things over time. Additionally, he's been doing rebuilds which is a bit different to straight servicing tasks.


'tiK.

 

[Freddy Kruger]

Heres a neat set i found that covers most small tasks on my mc19.

http://www.kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=32076
i hope the link actually works...

it covers everything from removing the fairings to the chain guard to the front sprocket cover. all you need then is a big spanner for the rear wheel and a stand and it should cover most minor tasks that youll need to do.

 

[Sneddy]

All you need tool wise is

Socket set
Spanner set
Screw drivers
Allen Keys.

Everything else you can buy as you go.

 

[CammyGTIR]

I don't like this new forum, it brings out the best in everyone

 

[ontik]

Fuck off Cammy.


'tiK.

 

[Hessian]

I hope that MODERATOR is a joke under your name, Cammy

 

[CammyGTIR]

The only joke here is Ontik

 

[Sneddy]

The only joke here is Ontik

SNAP!

 

[ontik]

The only joke here is Ontik

I try to make you feel at home and this is the thanks I get? Appropriately neg'd.


'tiK.

 

[Drew]

Hessian has posted a shitload of stuff, probably most of which you don't -need-

I'd say you'd need a 3/8 socket set, a 1/2 inch breaker bar and some loose sockets to fit the big bits of your bike (front and rear axle nuts for example). A set of metric allen keys is a good buy as well, and if you're going to get some extra stuff then a set of combination spanners (metric only) is a great buy as well, because a ring spanner or socket are markedly less likely to fuck everything up. Oh, and a set of screwdrivers and some pliers.

The only really specialist stuff you need is probably a bottle of super screw lock loctite (don't think stronger is better here, its not) and an extremely long philips head to get the carb boots undone...

A big bore syringe (no needle) and a length of clear plastic tube will help you no end bleeding brakes and a "synchrometer" will help with the carbs.

If you want to be prepared for everything then its also a good idea to have a nylon hammer, a set of easy outs and probably a mash hammer and cold chisel for times when disaster strikes. Its also sometimes handy to have a hacksaw and a power drill handy.

EDIT: I also forgot to mention that its also a good idea to buy some long allen sockets as well if you've got too much money to spend, I've got a set and they're invaluable for things like forks etc.

 

[monkeyKING]

When you doing your service man? Me and a few mates going to service our bikes soon in like 3 weeks maybe we can service them altogether.

 

[Drew]

Also, buy from an industrial suppliers if you can, there are a couple of really good webshops too on ebay... just make sure you know what you want to buy before you start buying off the web

EDIT: I'm having a forgetful day today, if you're pulling something to bits and you have the space then lay everything out as you found it, put the screws to attach a particular part of the airbox back into that piece of the airbox and then put it down somewhere safe that it can't get knocked... its simple and you can't get mixed up and if all else fails take photos.

 

[Glenn R]

Just buy a hammer, if you can't fix it with a good hammering it ain't worth fixing.

 

[roobars]

Just buy a hammer, if you can't fix it with a good hammering it ain't worth fixing.

Love it