Various newb questions!!

[Duuude]

I was reading through a bunch of old posts, and apparently they were too old for me to revive Now I don't know where I should put this, so I hope I don't tick anybody off with my newbness here, and apologies in advance for the long post

First - in regards to some parts of New rider tips (http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...ead.php?t=6148)

On engine temp and hot weather:
I'm in SoCal, and my bike will soon be my daily ride, so it's going to see some heat. And it's air cooled... I need to replace my gauges, but I don't think there is an engine temp gauge. How can I tell if my bike is getting too hot before I cause some damage?

Synthetic oil:
My bike is an 87 with about 15k miles. Would switching to synthetic cause any trouble with gaskets and seals (like an old car)? Or should I stick with dino oil? Also, the previous owner recommended 20w40. Does that sound like a good weight for a daily rider?

Next, on push starting (http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...ead.php?t=1074)
Keep in mind I've never ridden a bike before... Except once. For about 10 minutes. Really slow. Is push starting pretty challenging for a newb? My battery died, and I really don't want to blow 30 bucks or more on something to charge it when I plan on riding it daily soon.

Next, because I'm too impatient to wait for my shop manual, I was hoping somebody here might know some specs on the 87 GS450L (GS resource is down)
Does anyone know what size/type of spark plugs I'll need and how much oil? Autozone doesn't have an 87 GS450 in their computers...

Tires:
What would a set of good quality used tires run? Where would I find them? Would I be better off getting good quality used tires or decent new ones (in regards to safety and price)?

For the other Cali peoples, anyone know a good bike shop in Orange County?

If you read this far, thanks And if you can help, much appreciated!

[Rickster]

First off, I would never put used tires on a motorcycle. You should be able to find new ones for under $150.00
Your local Suzuki dealer can look up your plug size.
Don't try push starting, just spring for a new battery, you'r going to need it anyway
If your bike isn't leaking, or burning oil now, synthetic should be just fine. Some mechanics say not to use synthetic if you crank bearings are friction bearings. Check first to see if your bike has friction or roller bearings in the crank.
Can't help you with a gauge for a air cooled bike, I don't think there is one. If your motor gets hot you will feel it on your legs, and you should notice it running crappy. It takes a lot to overheat an air cooled motor, keep your rrr's down when you are stoped, and you should be fine

[Duuude]

Ouch... going to have to save for a while for tires

The battery is nearly new, it just wasn't charged all the way (the previous owner was charging it when I bought it...) The battery isn't completely dead, just not strong enough to turn over the engine (prolly will be dead within a couple days though )

How do I check which kind of bearings I have? Would a Clymers manual or owners manual be able to tell me?

Thanks!

[Rickster]

Go to the local Suzuki dealer. If the parts guy can't tell you, sneak back to the shop, and ask one of the mechanics. I like to stop in to my dealership at least twice a month, so they get to know me. You can get a lot of good info that way for free.

[inspiron]

Heat: Put a good oil in the bike, and keep an eye on the oil level. Don't be cheap, since oil is the blood of your bike. A good multiweight oil (10W40) will help keep the bike running even when it's hot. If you are going to be standing for a while (in typical SoCal traffic), turn off the engine until traffic starts moving again. This will prevent heat from building up when standing still. Just make sure you have a good battery to get the bike started quickly!

Oil: Synthetics or Minerals? That's like asking Luteran or Baptist? A question of belief. Whatever you choose, just be sure that it's rated for motorcycles, otherwise you may have clutch slippage problems (car oils tend to have more additives which can cause motorcycle clutches to slip).

Push starting: Don't do it if you can avoid it. If you aren't experienced with bikes, you will probably drop it when you try to push start it. A battery charger for $30 is a good investment. If you can borrow one from a friend, that's even better. But a charger is still much cheaper than a new battery!

Plugs: Why not just pull one out and write down what's printed on it?

Oil change: When you change the oil, ALWAYS change the filter too. Don't over-torque the oil drain plug. Wait for the shop manual, because it is easy to screw up the drain plug or over-fill the engine with oil.

Tires: Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never put on used tires. It's a motorcycle, not a car. You have two small contact patches about the size of the palm of your hand - that's all thats keeping you from flying off the road. Don't go cheap here - those two rubber rings are the most important rubbers you'll ever need.

Take an MSF course and get yourself good safety gear. In SoCal, you are surrounded by brain-dead SUVs who are on the phone, spanking their kids in the back seat and drinking a coffee while doing 50mph on the freeway. They don't have time to notice a motorcycle, so learn to ride defensively.

[Rickster]

INSPIROR has a very good point about the oil, don't use automotive oil, you will damage your clutch. All his points are good, the only thing I disagree with him about is the 50 mph thing on the freeway. They only slow down to 50 if they have to.lol

[Duuude]

Great advice! Thanks! I'll check my bearings, because I'd like to go synthetic. And good idea on the spark plugs (that was too obvious for me to think of myself)!

[Duuude]

Originally Posted by Night_Wolf

You'll not keep the bike long enough to worry about it

Another good point

[Jester]

Champion M/C in Costa Mesa is great.

[blackie1491]

A trickle charger is a good investment. Do not use a fast charger, do not jump start with a car.
Double check on the plugs with a parts man. The person before may have put in the wrong plugs.
Use your local liberary for manuals and motorcycle basic repairs, great resourse and the price is right.

Enjoy and ride safe.

[Duuude]

Doesn't look like Champion MC deals with Suzukis... Thanks, though!

What's the difference between a trickle charger and a regular charger? The previous owner showed me this charger he had that looked like a regular AC adapter with two alligator clips on one end. Familiar with those?

[batman]

This thread just warms my heart right up !!!!
You guys are the best.. A newbie is in need, he throws lots of question in one breath!!!! and whaaaam, answers are pouring in from your hearts....

I see... "no"... I feel that "your love to help out" is just ooozing out of this thread.

[blackie1491]

A trickle charger is 1.25 amps, where as a car charger is 12 amps, some can be set to 2 amps. A trickle charger will, in most cases maitain your battery, by shutting down when it reaches max. charge and turning back on when it reaches a low point.

Some have the option of alligator clips or snap connectors for quick connect that you attach to the battery on a permenant basis.

Battery Tender is one brand that comes to mind. Motorcycle batteries have a tendency to loose the charge quicky if not used often.

[Rickster]

Originally Posted by Duuude

Doesn't look like Champion MC deals with Suzukis... Thanks, though!

What's the difference between a trickle charger and a regular charger? The previous owner showed me this charger he had that looked like a regular AC adapter with two alligator clips on one end. Familiar with those?

Motorcycle batterys are a lot smaller than a car battery, so they can't handle a lot of amps. Car chargers have a charging rate of between 5 and 10 amps. don't use one, you will wreck your battery. You should be OK to use a 10 amp charger to jump start your bike, but unhook it soon as the bike starts. You need a trickle charger that puts out less than 1.5 amps. The good ones (Battery Tender) are made so you can leave them hooked up for long peroios of time. As in winter storage. The Battery Tender puts out 750mA.

[Duuude]

Well, I got my charger, some plugs, oil, and an oil filter. They didn't have the o-ring I need to change my oil though, so I'll have to wait, I guess... I found me a good deal on a used full face helmet, too. Also found some tires I'll be able to afford in a month. Just need some boots and gloves now I'm almost set to actually ride the thing Prolly going to be another month or so though...At least I got the bike I can practice a little

[jackM50black]

I like your idea about checking out Salvation Army, or other places where you might get less expensive boots and gear. I've got a pair of black leather all purpose boots that I use and one of my 3 jackets is just a regular leather bomber style jacket. Sure it does'nt have armor like it should, but I still wear it sometimes. It's really worth it to check on cheap close outs. I got my Speedrag Bonechiller mesh summer jacket for only 25 bucks on a closeout at a local store. I got leather First Gear motorcycle pants for only 95 bucks on another closeout sale. Check out stuff like that. Don't let people talk you into super expensive helmets like Arai, Check out good mid-priced and lower priced helmets, if you can read reviews and get a bargain on an underpriced one. Good luck, and shop around.

[blackie1491]

Just a warning about used helmets. You really need one that fits snug, that has not been abused, damage is not always visible. Age can cause a helmet to breakdown, so a bargain may not be a bargain if it fails when you need it.

This is to protect your head and it's contents.
There are value priced helmets out there that are DOT approved.
I know it is the pitts to wait, but please give consideration to the purpose that helmet is for.

[Duuude]

The helmet I found fits quite comfortably, actually... It's just got some scuffs on it. It's full face and has no cracks. I just can't afford a new one right now. I'll just use this one while practicing. It's going to be a while before I can legally take my bike on the road anyway, so I've got time to save for a new helmet.

[blackie1491]

A drop from the handle bars can produce scuffs, it can also render the helmet useless in the protection of that thing called a "Brain".

We would like you to be around to share this sport!!!!!!

[Clint]

Great advice from everyone. Good work, team!