Well, I started on my 10K service back in early September with a change of all the fluids. Mid September I knocked out most everything else except the brakes. I was going to drop my bike off at my indy mechanic while the wife and I spent late September/early October at Hilton Head and have him do the brake pads and brake bleeding. When he said he didn't have the room for me to leave the bike that long, I made up my mind to try and tackle the brakes myself.
Today, 2 months later, I replaced all the brake pads and bled both the front and rear brake systems, thus officially completing my 10K service!
My main reason for posting this is that I know a lot of folks just lurk here or are members but don't think they could ever do any maintenance on their bikes. WRONG! I've been known to totally botch a simple picture hanging in the house so I'm not what you'd call very mechanically adept.
In just about 2 years I've gone from "maybe I'll try an oil change" to "screw it, I'm doing my 10K service all by myself." I was initially terrified to remove my outer fairing but now I've had it off a half dozen times. I was totally psyched out about the brake job but even though it took me the better part of the day, i did it all by myself and it went off without a hitch.
Folks - YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Get yourself a service manual, read over the Self Help section of this forum, ask lots of questions, and then pour yourself a big cup of coffee, head out to the garage, and really take your time getting to know your bike and how it's put together.
Went for a short ride this evening to gradually break in the new pads and I don't think I've ever had such a gratifying feeling riding this bike since I got it 2 years ago.
OK, I'll stop rambling now.
Today, 2 months later, I replaced all the brake pads and bled both the front and rear brake systems, thus officially completing my 10K service!
My main reason for posting this is that I know a lot of folks just lurk here or are members but don't think they could ever do any maintenance on their bikes. WRONG! I've been known to totally botch a simple picture hanging in the house so I'm not what you'd call very mechanically adept.
In just about 2 years I've gone from "maybe I'll try an oil change" to "screw it, I'm doing my 10K service all by myself." I was initially terrified to remove my outer fairing but now I've had it off a half dozen times. I was totally psyched out about the brake job but even though it took me the better part of the day, i did it all by myself and it went off without a hitch.
Folks - YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Get yourself a service manual, read over the Self Help section of this forum, ask lots of questions, and then pour yourself a big cup of coffee, head out to the garage, and really take your time getting to know your bike and how it's put together.
Went for a short ride this evening to gradually break in the new pads and I don't think I've ever had such a gratifying feeling riding this bike since I got it 2 years ago.
OK, I'll stop rambling now.