QuestionI recently purchased a new 2007 crf 250x. I am wondering what maintenance I will need to perform after each ride and what equipment and/or products I should purchase.
Answer
I forgot to mention, I have a general maintenance check-sheet available in MS Word format. Email me at pauljeeves@telus.net and I'll be happy to send you a copy.
Hi Barron,
Assuming that you are primarily riding off-road, the first thing that you will want to do when you get the bike home is give it a good wash.
Once you’ve got it cleaned up, the next step will be a thorough inspection. You’ll be looking for nuts and bolts that have worked themselves loose; bits that may have become broken; hoses and cables that became damaged; etc.
For the loose bolts and nuts, you will want to invest in a good quality Torque Wrench and a set of sockets.
If you are riding the bike hard, you may want to consider “Lock-wiring” the vital bolts and nuts so that they can not work themselves loose and fall out. Let me know if you want to pursue this, and I’ll step you through it.
Once you’ve checked the overall condition, it’s time to get it lubricated and protected.
Typically, I start at the front of the bike and work rearward. Check the brake fluid, brakes, tire condition and pressures, coolant, engine oil, fork travel, suspension sag, battery and lubricate the chain.
The chain on your bike – if I recall correctly – is an “O-Ring” type chain. I would recommend getting a few cans of spray type chain lube, and a few cans of WD-40 to have on hand.
After you’ve washed the bike, spray a good bit of WD-40 on the chain and let it soak for a while. Then, with the bike on the stand, turn the wheel by hand and wipe the dirt and grease off with a folded up rag. (Do not run the bike in 1st gear to speed this up)
After all the dirt is removed, spray the entire chain liberally with the chain oil while turning the wheel by hand. You’ll want to put some paper or cardboard on the floor, as the excess chain oil will drip.
Next, check the alignment of the wheels and chain. There are a number of ways to do this. You could purchase a “Laser chain aligner” or use a variety of other devices. I use two pieces of angled steel. I clamp them to the rear wheel with a set of bungee cords, and then adjust the wheel so that the distance between the two pieces of angled steel and the front wheel is the same. Don’t simply trust the markings on the adjusters, as they are typically not very accurate.
Spray some wd-40 on all the exposed cables (Clutch, etc) and on any mechanical lever hinge points. I.e.: hand levers, foot pedals, etc. Use just enough to lubricate the friction areas.
When topping up the brake fluid, ensure that you are using the correct grade. DOT 3 brake fluid, is not DOT 4, etc. If your bike requires DOT 4, or DOT 5, use what it requires. Using a different type of brake fluid could have catastrophic results, as the boiling point of the various fluids is different. Once this stuff boils in the calipers, it becomes useless and the brakes will fail.
Next, you’ll want to take care of the electrical components. Clean the battery posts (I seem to recall that this bike has a battery). These can be cleaned with warm water and baking-soda (Mom, girlfriend or wife will know where to find it in the kitchen). After cleaned and dried, spray a little of the WD-40 on the battery connections to help prevent corrosion.
Now, spray a little WD-40 into all the electrical switches. WD-40 displaces water, prevents corrosion, and will not mess up the electrics.
Finally, don’t neglect your riding gear, helmet, boots, etc. This stuff should get the same care that your bike gets. Obviously, clean it so that it will last and look for cuts or other damage that repaired immediately will help it last longer.
Once that’s all done, a little wax and Armor-all will keep it looking like new.
For post-ride maintenance, that should pretty much cover it. You will want to periodically do some more detailed maintenance and adjustments. The owner’s manual should provide a schedule. When you need to do those things, let me know and I’ll walk you through it.
Otherwise, there is a great reference book written by a guy named Mark Zimmerman. The book is called “The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance”. This book sells for about $30 USD and is published by “Whitehorse Press”.
Let me know if you need anything further, and enjoy your bike.
Cheers
Paul
