Equivalent of a "lube job" for a GZ/motorcycle?

[ArizonaKev]

Ok, if you're like me, you probably chuckled a little bit at the subject line - seems like we have given "lube job" a whole new meaning in our culture! :lol:

Seriously speaking though - is there some type of periodic lubrication that should be done on a bike? I have lubed the chain with some good chain lubricant, but sometimes notice when I am riding, and have my visor up and can hear a little better, it seems like the bike makes a little more noise than I would expect it to.

Now, this is probably not a good analogy, but I have ridden bicycles for years, and I know that when I can start "hearing" the gears turning on my bike, or the wheels turning, it typically means I need to spray some good lubricant on them again. Does the same hold true for motorcycles, and in particular, the GZ?

Of course I am thinking that it probably has sealed bearings like a car does, and doesn't need to be lubed on the wheels really. But are there parts other than the chain and the 2 sprockets that I should be lubing?

As always, all answers are appreciated. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend - ride safe! :2tup:

AZ Kev

[dentheman]

The owner's manual shows what to lube, when to lube, and what to use.

[ArizonaKev]

Thanks den. I guess I was really asking more for any personal tips, experience with different products, favorite products, etc.

Owner's manuals are great - but information from an actual owner is sometimes even better.


AZ Kev

[Water Warrior 2]

Hmm. Lots of stuff if you are really serious and a bit nuts of course. Simple stuff :

side stand pivot and associated kill switch underneath. DuPont on the stand.
clutch cable providing it does not have a teflon slidersheath inside, very light oil or ATF.
speedo cable, very light oil or ATF.
all shifter linkages, joints under rubber covers, I use DuPont spray teflon
peg pivots, DuPont.
swing arm maybe but I never did need to do it thankfully. Requires removal of swing arm. Depending on design you could add a grease zerk.
just a drop of ATF or light oil in the throttle cables. Same goes for choke cable.
a little contact cleaner in switches.
rear brake pedal pivot etc.
lever pivots, a drop of oil or ATF.
That is what I can think up at present. It doesn't take much to supply the GZ with TLC. Oh one thing more: do not ever ever put anything on the seat to make it shiny and clean. Unless you find something that will not make it slippery, leave it alone.

Okay guy an gals, who's next with a list ?

[Easy Rider]

Owner's manuals are great - but information from an actual owner is sometimes even better.

What kind of chain lube are you using ??
And how's the slack adjustment ??

If this is your first bike, it's probably just the normal noob paranoia !! :)

[Sarris]

When I need a lube job I take the bike to the dealer. They lube me up real good........

:lol: :crackup :lol: :crackup

[Water Warrior 2]

When I need a lube job I take the bike to the dealer. They lube me up real good........

:lol: :crackup :lol: :crackup
I absolutely will not comment.

[ArizonaKev]

Ha ha Easy - "noob paranoia" - I like that :) I guess, in some sense, that could be partly true. Although I rode motorcycles a lot as a kid (dirt bikes) I haven't owned one in several years. Now that I've got one, I just want to make sure I maintain it properly.

Thanks a lot for the exhaustive list WW - I appreciate it. Now, my question is, where exactly do I apply the oil to the cables? Considering the fact that they are all in that plastic cladding, where exactly do I apply the oil? And just good ol' light motor oil? Like 10W30 or something?

I may seem like I am paranoid, but it is really more a matter or frugality and pride in my vehicles. I take pride in maintaining my vehicles in top condition, and if there are things I don't know, I am not too proud to ask. That's what all the questions are about - just trying to treat my machine right so it treats me the same. Thanks all :2tup:


AZ Kev

[Water Warrior 2]

The plastic cladding more than likely is a teflon material that does not need lubing. If there is no plastic/teflon the just pull in the clutch lever and lube whatever cable is exposed. Thr oil(3 in 1 works well or ATF)will migrate down the cable with time. Choke cable is non teflon I think so lube it from the top and let gravity take care of the rest with time. I use DuPont with teflon for chain and things like the shifter joints. The shifter has little rubber boots where things pivot and move. Just stick the spray nozzle tube in and give it a shot. Light oil on lever pivot points.

Do not get oil or spray lube on tires and brake parts(Disc). Can't recall if silicone is good for locks but I just did mine b/c they were getting a bit sticky. So far so good. Keeps the questions and comments coming, we all learn through the forum. If I am wrong I don't mind being corrected and I know Easy just loves to correct me now and again. A win win situation overall.

[ArizonaKev]

Awesome - thanks WW! Very helpful info indeed. I didn't even think about how pulling the clutch or brake lever back would expose the cable a bit - good call.

I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions - ride safe all :2tup:


AZ Kev

[Water Warrior 2]

Awesome - thanks WW! Very helpful info indeed. I didn't even think about how pulling the clutch or brake lever back would expose the cable a bit - good call.

I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions - ride safe all :2tup:


AZ Kev
Clutch lever only. The brake has no cable(hydraulic). Forgot to add for the clutch. Pull back the rubber that exposes the adjuster mechanism and you will see the cable running through the middle of it. Pull clutch in and add a drop of oil, work clutch a few times and the oil will migrate down. Repeat a couple times if you want.
You can also lube the throttle cables but it if a little more complicated. A good time would be when you are going to take out the slack and have your fingers in there anyway. The repair manual will give you the correct procedure to get it done right.