General Advice

[vf24renegade]

Hi All,
I am asking for some general advice. I've read all the posts about swing arm service and stem bearings and wheel bearings and a lot of other things. I plan on doing some of these things during winter non-riding season. I've worked on all kids of machines from jet fighters to surgical lasers and there is generally an accord that if things are working well, don't mess with them. So, my question is, if the motorcycle is performing well and smoothly, should I risk upsetting things by disassembling? Or...if it aint broke, should I fix it?
I know it's preventative maintenance but..

Thanks

[kenb]

Its not if it aint broke, dont fix it. Its do what MaKaw didn't do at the factory. Why not make it work better, to live longer, when you have the chance, then wait until theres a problem? You adjust to the bike as it wears, it may be too late for a take apart and lube compared to a take apart and replace.

[cactusjack]

There's a good chance that the swingarm bearings don't have enough grease and can rust. The purpose of periodic maintenance is preventative. You want to inspect things before they become problems and leave you stranded somewhere or worse yet, cause an "unintentional dismount". A failure that would be merely annoying or inconvenient in an automobile could have serious consequences on a motorcycle. In my opinions, motorcycles are a lot like airplanes in that you can't afford to wait for a failure, you need to catch a small or potential problem early before it has a chance to fail.

[ringadingh]

If it aint broke you don't need to fix it, but you have to do the regular maintenance. This is how you find some problems before they get bigger.

[Netnorske]

Having said you worked on jet fighters.....would you want to fly one into battle that had not been serviced and inspected regularly....?? Better to do the PM's.... ;)!

[VulcanE]

What they all said, and the best suggestion of all is get yourself a factory service manual. It'll pay for itself the first time you use it.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Lots of good advice given. It is always cheaper to do the PM than to wait until it breaks or quits working. Get the service manual and start tinkering.

[vf24renegade]

Thanks everyone. It was the ol' angel on one shoulder, devil on the other. Looks like I'm going to be tearing into the old girl this winter. Mostly to make sure these things have been done and then to my satisfaction.