How to keep a superbike in super condition?

[jobbo]

I've just upgraded. Its an 06 GSXR 1000, a far cry from the 250R. Yes maybe I'm a poser, maybe I'm a squid (i liked it before i knew it was the squid bike of choice i swear!)
Either way the decision has been made and I'd like to get along with learning to ride it and care for its loveliness in all ways I can.

I just want to know what I should be checking and doing in regards to maintenance with such a highly strung piece of machinery. I will get it serviced but I am relatively mechanically minded (worked on a few cars) and want to become self sufficient. I am aware that some of these answers will be based on personal opinion but if you've had a good experience with a particular type or brand just tell me. A few of the questions I have are:

- 98 or 95? also is mixing different servos fuels a no no?
- tyre pressures are 36 and 42 as specified on the swingarm..this too high?
- what type/brand of oil is highly regarded and is it worth replacing it more often than specified?
- how can I tell when my brake pads are low?
- should I monitor and adjust the chain myself?
- if i install an exhaust that comes with a custom map what do i need to install said map?
- is it better to get the bike tuned locally/do i need a piggyback/similar ecu?
- what is a good tyre for an equal balance of longevity and performance for street riding?
- is there a benefit of replacing both tyres at once or keeping front/rear brands the same? (front seems to wear less?)
- is there anything else i should check between services that is vital to the bike's longevity?
- how do I know when a sprocket is getting too worn?
- how much throttle play is too much?
- is there anything else you wish you knew when you got your first big bike?
- are there any additions (besides oggies) that you would consider very wise to this bike?

Constructive answers would be appreciated however now I know this site a little better flames are somewhat expected. Let my avatar be the extinguisher. Thanks!

[Chewie]

So gonna get flamed for my responses but here goes;

- 98 or 95? also is mixing different servos fuels a no no? I find BP Ultimate 98 is great in my R1 bur others find that Vortex 98 is better. Fill up with one, use the tank next fill try the other, compare. Just dont use Shell, Gull or any other fuel station they're crap.
- tyre pressures are 36 and 42 as specified on the swingarm..this too high? For street riding its fine
- what type/brand of oil is highly regarded and is it worth replacing it more often than specified? Motul Semi Syn and whatever type required for your bike 10W50, 20W50, etc and no real need to replace it more often if all you are doing normal riding, if you are hard on your bike or do lots of track days then maybe change it more often.
- how can I tell when my brake pads are low? Look at the pads, if there 1mm of pad left time for a new set.
- should I monitor and adjust the chain myself? Yes
- if i install an exhaust that comes with a custom map what do i need to install said map? Yes
- is it better to get the bike tuned locally/do i need a piggyback/similar ecu? Get a PC3 or similar.
- what is a good tyre for an equal balance of longevity and performance for street riding? Pilot Pures are good for my bike but just like fuel try different brands, just not Dunlops, they're shit
- is there a benefit of replacing both tyres at once or keeping front/rear brands the same? (front seems to wear less?) Generally you will replace the front every second or third rear. Always the same brand front and rear.
- is there anything else i should check between services that is vital to the bike's longevity? The usual, oil, water, look for leaks, lube your chain, keep the bike clean (makes spoting leaks easier)
- how do I know when a sprocket is getting too worn? Chain should last around 50,000Km, sprockets some people replace when they replace the chain other until the sprocket teeth are worn beyond the limits. Plenty of images on the net will show what its not meant to look like.
- how much throttle play is too much? Whats your manual say? Usually 5mm is the most you will want.
- is there anything else you wish you knew when you got your first big bike? How to do wheelies properly?
- are there any additions (besides oggies) that you would consider very wise to this bike? Oggies arent that great, can lead to more damage at higher speeds. But the usual bling things are good to add like shorty adjustable levers, adjustable rear sets, 90 degree valve stems, braided brake lines.

[Xuaxace]

I sometimes \t stare at your avatar for a couple of minutes.

[kiknet]

I'll wait till other more experienced people come in, but 42 psi in a 180hp superbike is way to much for any tyre IMO, it'll ride around fine but if you're generous with the throttle you may run into difficulties. I'm basing this from riding at the track which is alot different to the road, but I recall 2 stories from friends who did trackdayz with 42 psi in the rear tyre, one was sliding across skyline simply trying to keep up with the instructor in level 1 and the other one had a big highside coming out of the basin who also was in level 1.

[Ferris]

I stick 38/38 in my tires, but I have a heavy bike. Anywhere from a range of 32-38 will serve you well either tire. Just play with the pressures until you find a pressure that seems to feel right for you. If you can't tell a difference, just go 38/38.

Tire replacement it's usually 2 rears to each front, mileage wise. Try to keep the same tire brand on your bike. If you change brand on your rear, change the front at the same time, otherwise 2for1.

[MattyA]

less time posting, more time riding,

[jules_1972]

There is only ONE Superbike............

[Stephan]

Have you done a maintenance course? A very handy thing to have done. There are a few on offer.

[Stephan]

There is only ONE Superbike............

Fireblade...I knew you were thinking the same thing Jules!

[jules_1972]

Fireblade...I knew you were thinking the same thing Jules!

Puffffpifffpfffttfffpppffffuuuffttttttttttt....... ............

Blasphemy!!

Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati
Ducati


ROFL!!!

[Captain Starfish]

I've just upgraded. Its an 06 GSXR 1000, a far cry from the 250R. Yes maybe I'm a poser, maybe I'm a squid (i liked it before i knew it was the squid bike of choice i swear!)
Either way the decision has been made and I'd like to get along with learning to ride it and care for its loveliness in all ways I can.

I just want to know what I should be checking and doing in regards to maintenance with such a highly strung piece of machinery. I will get it serviced but I am relatively mechanically minded (worked on a few cars) and want to become self sufficient. I am aware that some of these answers will be based on personal opinion but if you've had a good experience with a particular type or brand just tell me. A few of the questions I have are:

- 98 or 95? also is mixing different servos fuels a no no?
Check the user manual, I find my bike performs happily on 91 and likes 95, have noticed no difference with 98 from 95, nor from one brand of servo to the next: ymmv.
- tyre pressures are 36 and 42 as specified on the swingarm..this too high?
Check the user manual, I find that around 36psi cold works nicely for day to day riding, 42 sounds high. On the track you'd lower the pressure quite a bit.
- what type/brand of oil is highly regarded and is it worth replacing it more often than specified?
There are 11,000 threads where oils are hotly debated. I tend to go to the most convenient bike shop and buy 4l of whatever they have around the $60 mark - a semi synth. I have used Shell, Motul, Belray, Putelene, Castrol with no noticeable difference between them. I tend to change the oil at the service interval, or when the gear shifting starts feeling a little notchy (around 4000km usually). Always change the filter when you change the oil.
- how can I tell when my brake pads are low?
Look at them. There should be a slot between the two blocks of 'pad' sticking off the backplate, this is your wear marker. If the wear marker is gone, you need new pads.
- should I monitor and adjust the chain myself?
Absolutely. With the bike on the stand, at the point midway between the axle and front sprocket, you should have about 25mm of top-to-bottom wriggle on the chain. Make sure you rotate the chain and check this on the tightest spot.
- if i install an exhaust that comes with a custom map what do i need to install said map?
Depends on the bike, if the bike's ECU doesn't support programmable maps (and I don't think yours does) then you'll need an aftermarket injection timer like the Power Commander or Bazzaz box.
- is it better to get the bike tuned locally/do i need a piggyback/similar ecu?
The Bazzaz unit, if you get the right bits with it, will self-tune as you ride it. It's more expensive than the power commander but then, with the power commander, you need to factor in a $300 dyno tune. That said: you may get the bazzaz and want it tuned anyway. Russell at Dyno Time is your man.
- what is a good tyre for an equal balance of longevity and performance for street riding?
These two factors are the extremes, any tyre is a compromise between them. Start with something like the Pilot Pures and see how you go. Personally I ride a Pilot Road 2 on the rear and a Pilot Power 2CT (next will be a Pure) on the front and I'm very happy with the combination.
- is there a benefit of replacing both tyres at once or keeping front/rear brands the same? (front seems to wear less?)
Probably not, apart from only having to take the bike to get tyres changed half as often. I chose a front/back combination that wears at about the same speed so I have a much grippier front and change them at the same time.
- is there anything else i should check between services that is vital to the bike's longevity?
Oil, coolant and hydraulic levels. Chain tension and wear. Brake pad wear.
- how do I know when a sprocket is getting too worn?
Try to pull the chain off the back of the rear sprocket. If it moves by more than about 1/3-1/2 the height of a tooth, time for a new chain and sprockets.
- how much throttle play is too much?
Any more than is necessary is too much. How much is necessary? Just enough that the revs don't pick up if you swing the bars from side to side.
- is there anything else you wish you knew when you got your first big bike?
They go fucking quick but don't feel like it until you try and corner.
- are there any additions (besides oggies) that you would consider very wise to this bike?
I'm not a believer when it comes to oggies, after seeing a head bolt ripped out of a bike by one. Would look at getting a stator cover though, this seems adequate for most of the drops we have. Cheap chinese fairings might be an idea if you want to keep the originals sparkly and pretty for resale. Disc lock with throttle bungee and, if you have room on the bike, a tyre repair kit.

[Cbr Junkie]

Jobbo bring it up to my place if you want me to have a look over it for you?

[CT90]

I go the 36 front 42 rear thing like the manual says. No problems so far. They set the pressures that high because it will allow for rain.

[zhuter18]

shuldn't u use lower pressure for the raining weather? it makes the tires more grippy doesn't it? :S

[Barfrangipani]

My bike prefers lower pressure, it starts to feel skittish when they get high. I normally run 32 front, 36 rear on the street, and 30/30 when I do a track session. Play around yourself and see what's most comfortable for you.

[Dinga]

ok, I have stuck to 36/42 on the Gixr and I guess havent really had problems. Must say I probably dont push it real hard in the corners tho?

Originally i did think 42 sounded high but took the handbook as gospel never to be questioned

Maybe, I need to experiment? mmmm

[filbert]

shuldn't u use lower pressure for the raining weather? it makes the tires more grippy doesn't it? :S

lower pressure can increase the size or change the shape of the contact patch putting more rubber on the road, so yes it makes tyres more grippy in the dry, in the wet it can reduce the water channeling ability of the tyre and increase the risk of aquaplaning, eg: edges of tread grooves that throw water out are making contact with the road and trapping water.

These days it's the rubber compound that decides how much traction you have not so much the pressure. Most still end up 30/30 or 32/34 on the track though.

[jobbo]

Thanks fellas most helpful, also cbr (forgot your name bro - soz ) thanks for the offer of checking it over too mate but I've gotta learn myself.

Besides I'm going NOWHERE without a shadow from now on...................took it to the shops today (literally a 2 minute ride) and got pulled over. The doozie? I was riding out of class. Made bold by mates that have ridden for over a year without a license at all and never had a problem I decided to show it off to a mate up at the shops. Anyhow they decided i looked dangerous or some some such and followed me into the carpark, no lights though still shitting myself at the surely subsequent and painful pineappling that was about to occur, then lo and behold!

They got out, one looking at me with a slightly puzzled expression. "We just ran a rego check and there's a discrepancy with your license. I slowly pulled it out of my wallet, feeling the ghostlike brush of sharp tropical leaves on my sphincter before handing it over. Somehow in my crazed mind I decided bluffing would be the way to go so with all the contrived innocence I could muster I copied his facial expression and said "I don't know what the problem would be officer. I hope I'm not in any trouble." He looked down and replied "Hmm C, R-E." Shows it to his partner and they both peered on their monitor and murmured a bit before looking at me and smiling.

At this moment I think they must have mistaken my heart beat for a passing chopper. A few extremely tense seconds and then out of nowhere he hands me my license and goes "Ok buddy stay safe. Oh and nice bike!" before getting back in and driving off with a fucking wave, leaving one very confused VERY relieved idiot with an enhanced appreciation for irony.

So yeah..anyone wanna shadow me somewhere this weekend

[Cbr Junkie]

More so me showing you how to check certain things jobbo so you can do it yourself if you want to learn btw get yourself a workshop manual and read through the maintenance section

[SzyCo]

Personally I'll only use 98, from BP, Mainly cause it's the closest and I've had personal bad experiences with every other servo. Obviously I'll use what I can if I'm out and about, but never less than preimum at worst. (my tank had a sticker that said min of 95 RON) - If yours does - don't ignore it.

I use Pilot Pure also, I get heaps of milage, considering most of my riding is on the freeway. I also run them 36 and 42 as I don't do track days and that's what I was told to.
I am now using Motul, I've found it feels better. I don't think it'd make that much difference, just don't use Valvoline - in a bike, it's shit.
I added a radiator guard, ($1170 for a new rad after a rock punctured it) and I can't go past the shorty lever's. Pazzo and ASV are much the muchness in my opinion.

Advice For you - 1000's are way quicker than a 250, Don't wring it's neck til you're on a straight without any cars behind or infront of you for the first time. Don't tail gate anything you can't see around, don't split faster than 60, don't take off from the stop sign on the left of the lane to turn right (if you do, take up the whole middle when you get there. Do not sit in the left) Do not go for a ride without all your gear on. It really fucking hurts when you hit the ground. Especially when it's only 2 mins from your house.

Advice for your bike - Buy and read the service manual twice, even if you pay someone else to service it, and until they get your trust, check everything they do after, because they do make mistakes too. Don't over lube your chain, it's really really messy.

Enjoy your bike though, it's the most fun you can have with your pants on!