new bike maintenace

[yz450fcranker]

i just hit the 20 hour mark on my 2009 yz450f what should i do for maintenance oil, filter wahsup etc?

[bendover932]

I really hope for your bikes sake you've changed the oil 4-5 times already...

[yz450fcranker]

im a slow rider im new to the sport and the oil is still golden in colour if that makes a difference plus i wont change according to hours i go according to quality

[bendover932]

While how "hard you ride" does play a part in oil change intervals...most importantly I feel is using a quality oil...some oils will break down (possibly still golden in color) in 2-3 hrs... But regardless I would say with a good oil and easy riding.. 10 hrs would be the most I'd go...

[grayracer513]

...the oil is still golden in colour if that makes a difference plus i wont change according to hours i go according to quality

The color means nothing. What is the viscosity at 200 degrees? What is the total base number? The percentage of suspended wear metals? Even if you just cruise around slowly, change your oil each 3-4 rides. Unless you are very wealthy, or the bike was a gift, you can't afford to learn the hard way.

And clean your air filter more often, too.

[yz450fcranker]

thank you for the help i will change more often and clean the filter too is this all should do anything else like cleaning the carb plugs etc

[cowboyona426]

Even if you just cruise around slowly, change your oil each 3-4 rides.

Would that equate to roughly 10 hours on a meter, or less?

[grayracer513]

Would that equate to roughly 10 hours on a meter, or less?

It does for me. About 6-8 on average.

should do anything else like cleaning the carb plugs etc

Well, I just changed the OEM spark plug on my '06 because I had the tank off while I was replacing the timing chain, and because I was tired of having my new Iridium NGK bouncing around in the tool box.

There's no reason to clean the carb unless there is some probability of it having collected dirt, or some symptoms suggesting a problem.

But, if you've never done it, you should consider cleaning and repacking the steering head, the swing arm pivot, and the shock linkage bearings. Yamaha uses a minimal amount of grease at the factory on these important pivots, and they really should be gone over with a good grade of marine grease to ensure a long service life.

If you have the original chain, you're probably about due for a new one (they're very poorly suited for the YZF). Don't let it go too long, or it will destroy your otherwise usable sprockets.

[yz450fcranker]

anyone got a service manual a decent one if you already know how the yamaha one looks like

[erprob]

WOW 20 hours and no oil change. Scary stuff for a new bike.

I would have changed it a few times just to get the new metal shaving out of the engine.

I ride pretty hard, I change the oil every 5 hours give or take. Basically every 2nd or 3rd ride. Or at least after every cross country race.

Rob

[mxmaddman]

But, if you've never done it, you should consider cleaning and repacking the steering head, the swing arm pivot, and the shock linkage bearings. Yamaha uses a minimal amount of grease at the factory on these important pivots, and they really should be gone over with a good grade of marine grease to ensure a long service life.

What type of marine grease do you use? I always use factory white yamaha grease, but if theres a better alternative Im actually looking to try something else, It seems to dry or harden fast. I dont like axle grease because its messy as hell to clean out on the next change.

[grayracer513]

anyone got a service manual a decent one if you already know how the yamaha one looks like

What's wrong with the Yamaha manual? IMO, it's better than any of the aftermarket ones.

[grayracer513]

What type of marine grease do you use?

I use marine wheel bearing (EP2) grease with moly. Whatever major brand I can find at the auto parts store when I go looking. Currently, that's Sta-Lube, I believe. Moly, of course, is an excellent addition to any grease, and the word "marine" on the label means it is as waterproof as it gets. EP2 grease should never dry up.

[yz450fcranker]

i don't necessarily hate the manual i just feel like its blank without like pictures with colour and detail

[grayracer513]

As a lifelong mechanic with 35 years or pro experience, I can tell you that, A) none of the factory manuals for either cars or motorcycles had any color pictures or graphics (other than wiring schematics), and photographs are not really as effective as accurate drawings are.

[FinchFan194]

I use marine wheel bearing (EP2) grease with moly. Whatever major brand I can find at the auto parts store when I go looking. Currently, that's Sta-Lube, I believe. Moly, of course, is an excellent addition to any grease, and the word "marine" on the label means it is as waterproof as it gets. EP2 grease should never dry up.

Not that it matters much after coming out of Gray's mouth:worthy: But I totally agree about the marine grease with moly its all I use. Between the mud puddles and pressure washing I will take all the advantages I can get:thumbsup:

[cowboyona426]

I use marine wheel bearing (EP2) grease with moly. Whatever major brand I can find at the auto parts store when I go looking. Currently, that's Sta-Lube, I believe. Moly, of course, is an excellent addition to any grease, and the word "marine" on the label means it is as waterproof as it gets. EP2 grease should never dry up.

I have a tub of Maxima grease of some sort... its marine grade and blue in color, can't recall the name right now. That's what I've been using on steering and linkage bearings for a few years now and I have no complaints.

[yz450fcranker]

back again 20 hour oil changes 1 spark plug change 3 air filters 2 chains 2 sprockets greased loctited and 300 hours now and can still stop on dime

[TripleUp]

LoL this should put yamaha's reliability right to the test. hahahahah poor machine.

[wags450]

anyone got a service manual a decent one if you already know how the yamaha one looks like

If you go on eBay you can buy a good one in PDF form for like $9.

Just make sure its the service manual. I bought it for my bike same one that the dealers use in their shops. Just search YZ service manual and find your year