New Marauder owner - a couple questions. - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

pgman · 05-18-2007, 11:42 PM

Hey, everyone.

I am a new rider and a new Marauder owner (I am new, the Marauder is not). I know it has probably been discussed in great detail, but I am not finding any info. My bike didn't have an owner's manual with it and while I wait for the Haynes service manual to arrive (found it on e-bay), I was wondering if it would be a good idea to put in some new spark plugs, air filter and perhaps flush / refill the cooling system. What kind (and part number) of spark plugs are best?

I assume these engines, like other liquid-cooled engines, have a thermostat and water pump, and that these components will last longer if the coolant is not allowed to go stale. Between 2001 and 2006, the original owner rode just a hair over 18000 miles. Then, last year, it was ridden less than 1000 miles before I bought it. Right now, the odometer shows just over 19000 miles. I do not know if the bike was ever serviced (other than oil changes, which I know were done faithfully) since new, and I don't want to neglect anything. Right now, the enigne runs perfectly and starts right up - even when it is cold - with no choke needed. I am just wondering how long the spark plugs tend to last and how often the cooling system should be serviced. Can anyone tell me?

The previous owner had V&H pipes installed on the bike (along with a carb re-jet) and the motor sounds nice, but the exhaust is popping quite a bit on deceleration - I think I am going to remove the pair valve to see if that helps. Does this popping mean I am running rich? If so, can this be adjusted on the carb(s)?

I am also wondering how much capacity the electrical system has on thes bikes. I would like to add some auxiliary lighitng but I do not want to over-tax the alternator (or generator - I don't know which it has) and kill the battery. Most of my trips are at least 15 minutes long and I know the bike has a new battery. Is it possible to add a hunderd Watts or so of extra lighting (say, a dual 55W light bar) to the stock electrical system, or will I need to upgrade the charging hardware?

Any suggestions or comments are very welcome. Also, any riding tips or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I am still learning a lot about riding each time I saddle up, and I am trying to be safe.