Necessary maintenance

[spiritdream]

I have a Suzuki Boulevard C50 with Lehman kit - factory install. We've done an oil change, tires are good, and hubby checked my brakes. What other maintenance is needed? I can't really afford to take it anywhere, so I'm hoping it can all be done at home. It's a solid axle, and I believe this kit (the Lehman Tramp) uses the Ford rear end....that's pretty much the extent of my mechanical knowledge.

Any advice please?

 

[Juju]

No answer here, but I'll be watching for one because I'm pretty much in the same boat (or trike ) as you are.

 

[Gorilla]

Follow the schedule that came with the bike. The conversion doesn't add anything.

 

[Nauga Mok]

Check for loose bolts -- especially in the suspention, look for signs of anything leaking, look at brake pads/shoes -- must be at least 1/8" thick on bonded pads, 3/16" on rivited though most now days are bonded. Clean battery termanals at least every other oil change, if there's a grease fitting anywhere it needs a couple of pumps from a grease gun. Check fuses for corrosion. Check for any frayed wiring or worn spots & cuts in the insulation. Check brake fluid levels in master cylinders, check brake lines for signs of wear at mountng points, lube brake lever & brake pedal pins. Lube clutch lever pin & cable. Check free travel in clutch. Check free travel in throttle cables unless you have "fly by wire" throttle linkage. Check for play in wheel bearings front & rear. Check tire pressure -- 'course you SHOULD do this before every ride along with oil level & lights. Check lights.

There's probably stuff I've forgotten, but this should be a good starting point.

NM

 

[meredog]

You didn't mention the miles on it . They do require periodic valve adjustments

 

[spiritdream]

I should probably explain - this is the first bike/trike either hubby or I have owned. He's an excellent mechanic, and I know a motor is a motor, but the other "stuff" isn't the same as a car.

Juju, didn't someone here do your conversion? They should be able to tell you what needs to be done & when, I would imagine. Unfortunately, my dealer is 90 miles away, and I don't really want to take it back to them (not because of the distance - other issues).

meredog, it has about 7000 miles on it. Sorry, should have thought to mention that.

tmigala, it came already triked, so I don't know what the schedule would be for the bike. Would that be in the owner's manual? I'll have to see if I can find the paperwork/manuals....

NM, there are no leaks, brake cylinders are full, pads are good, tire pressure steady at about 19 with good tread. Everything's tight, and he's checked the wiring, etc, regularly. Battery comes out for the winter, so the terminals get cleaned at that time. Grease fittings? That's what I told hubby, but he doesn't think there would be any with the Ford rear end - any idea where I'd look? And what about the transmission/gears?

Thanks for the help, everyone!! This is why I love you guys! :yes: Man, I wish money wasn't an issue!!! My 4Runner and my trike are the only functioning vehicles in my household - and BOTH need servicing!! Grrrr!!! Almost ready to go back to a horse & buggy!! LOL

 

[5thwheel]

Oh but the vet bills:faint:!
That sounds like more than big red got done at the 14000 mile check up, other than the air filter change but I will double check on that.

 

[ultraboy]

There is a grease fitting on the rear U-joint that you should give a couple shots to. Other than that, I believe you got it covered.


UB