My 5400k check

[jughead4india]

Ok...so I have around 5400 miles right now and I wanted to just make sure everything was up to date for the upcoming winter...

1. Oil change was done 1500 ago...should be good till after winter

2. Air Filter cleaned with pressure blower

3. Rear brakes were squeaky...I sanded down the shoes and sprayed them with brake cleaner and now they are perfect...however, the wear indicator shows I need to replace them...hopefully they will be OK over winter

4. The standard tire pressure is 29/front and 36/rear...my pressure was way low on both so I filled them up


So thats about it...Just wondering if there is anything I looked over...

Also, did everyone's rear brakes give up around 5500 miles like mine? How much do the shoes cost? Thanks everyone!

[Clint]

That's extremely low mileage for rear brakes. I'd check that they're not dragging and that you aren't favoring it heavily- bad technique.

If you have a paper element filter, replace it. Blowing it out does as much harm as good by tearing the fibers and enlarging the passages.

[jughead4india]

I usually use my rear brakes the most...I only use my front brakes for complete stops and urgent stops...I was told this was the correct technique...maybe its wrong? I would love to get educated by other riders on this issue...thanks!

[Clint]

Whomever told you that was 100% wrong. You need to do some reading and get some training, stat!

One of the most highly acclaimed books is Proficient Motorcycling, by David Hough. IMO, no one should get on a bike without having read it. Your type of bad information has killed many a rider. The book can be purchased at the link in my signature, or borrowed for the cost of shipping here. Also, scan the "gems" in my signature for those discussing braking technique.

Consider calling your local MSF chapter about a training course. Learning from friends is a very bad way to start.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by jughead4india

I usually use my rear brakes the most...I only use my front brakes for complete stops and urgent stops...

Not only is that bad technique from a safety point of view.........on most bikes, it is easier to replace front disk pads than rear drum shoes (and cheaper too if you're not doing it yourself).

P.S. 5400K equals 5,400,000. That's a LOT of miles for a bike!!!

[jughead4india]

LOL...5,400,000 miles...yea right...only Harley's can pull off those kind of miles!

[hammersfan]

I have 35,00 Km on my brakes front and back. Intend on getting a brake job done soon !

[diamond_jim]

Jughead, RowdyRed is right. The front brake should do the majority of your stopping. Only when driving on gravel, rounding a curve with some loose sand/dirt/gravel dust/leaves or maybe some wet weather driving conditions should you be a little easier on the front brakes.

[RebelFlag]

Originally Posted by jughead4india

4. The standard tire pressure is 29/front and 36/rear...my pressure was way low on both so I filled them up

What year is your bike (sorry, if it was in your sig, I didn't notice) and where did you get the numbers for the tire pressures? My manual for my '07 shows pressures of 36 for both front and rear for the factory IRC tires. I have actually lowered the front tire pressure on mine to 29 psi, because at 36psi the front end of the bike feels very squirrelly. The bike handles much better at 29 front and 36 rear.

[jughead4india]

Rebel,
I have an 06 M50...the tire pressure specs are on the shaft drive...rest assured its 29/front and 36/rear...

[jughead4india]

Just to be sure...check out the pic I attached...I have circled the shaft drive...it is a sticker on that

[RebelFlag]

Thanks, I will take a look at the sticker on the shaft, must be a mis-print in the manual.