[DizzyD]

I just bought my first bike and I'm very excited. Its a 2007 VTX1300R. The guy I bought it from was very nice. He explained that he hasn't ridden the bike since May of last year and I might want to get it serviced. My question is what should I have done?

Obviously an oil change and he suggested I run the current gas out and add new gas, but what else?

Another question I have is what kinda of products should I use to clean it up? Its already in very clean condition but it was sitting in his garage for almost a year so it does have a little dust on it and the wheels seem to have a little dirt as well. I'd like to polish it up like new.

 

[RUNT58]

Wow have set up this group for a multi page rant.

Service to do depends on milage but at the least:
1.oil and filter
2.rear oil
3.air filter
4.antifreeze
5.inspect tires and properly inflate
6.lube cables

To clean the bike check out the threads here on multi surface pledge.
MS Pledge and two microfiber towels.
Pledge On (blue towel), Pledge Off (yellow towel)

I am sure I forgot something. Not to worry someone else will chime in.

Oh Yeah!! Congratulations on the purchase of your first bike.
RIDE SAFE!

 

[rcpilot]

Congrats!

 

[Trail Boss]

Welcome to the Cafe from Keysville, Va.

 

[RedWing]

Welcome brother, and I might add, get some Sea Foam, and run it with that old gas. You can get it at any automotive store.

 

[Elder]

Welcome

How many miles are on it? I would definately change the oil and plugs. If you rode it home, just drive it until you have to fill up and put some seafoam in the next tank. Check the tires and set them at 40 lbs (yes, above recommendation) and they will last longer. Make a point to change the other fluids over the summer as time permits.

But, if you keep reading on this site, you will be busy doing a pair valve removal, scar mod, valve adjustment, and then upgrading exhaust, doing s SPYKER mod and installing a factory pro jet kit. You probably will look into a mustang or ultimate seat and maybe some risers. Then, led lights, kermit mod, electrical panel distribution mod......... and many more. ENJOY!

P.S. if Charlie D. or Donut give you some advice - listen.

 

[blackdot]

With a used bike I always change everything despite what I am told by the seller. That way I have a baseline as to when to make the next change no matter the fluid.

 

[Nam]

Make shure you use the right oil.One big thing when you change your oil , dip stick in dip stick out when checking the oil always have you bike turned OFF.Sounds elementary but some folks learned the hard way had bike running & wammmmooo picking out parts if your lucky.
Yes the oil for our bikes you must use the correct oil.
Any questions just ask,most on this site are very helpful.

 

[Skipt]

Well you could trade it in on a new bike (HD or Vic seems to be the most popular). Then you wouldn't have to "polish it up like new". If you insist on keeping it just do as recommended in above posts. Don't forget to have FUN on your first bike. Welcome to the forum from California.:choppersm

 

[bull117]

Congrats...the first thing you ask...read about a lot of the recommended maintenance here...especially with a bike that has been sitting for a year AND this is your first bike! The list can get long on what to check...just from a sanity check and level of comfort.

I'm not sure if you plan on doing the maintenance yourself...it is recommended and will save you big bucks if you choose...

So...your question is a daunting one...since it is your first bike. I'd read here, read the bike book, get to know the bike...why...because it will generate many more questions for you which folks here will be able to answer.

Bull

 

[mdolph]

Start buying aftermarket parts for it to make it yours! LOL
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[bulldog777]

I bought a 07 1300R with 4100 miles on it. When I met the guy I bought it from he had the service tickets of when the oil, etc. had been changed. You are probably better off to change the engine oil, rear differential oil, check the air filter and tires. If in doubt....change it. Lots of info here at the cafe. There is a sticky note(thread) in the VTX 1300 threads that answer alot of common questions. These bikes are great bikes. Also, if you look in the cafe, the guys will tell you how to save some money on oil, oil filters, etc.
Welcome aboard!!

 

[dpar]

I have to agree with Blackdot, change everything, including the plugs. Then your starting from square 1 and not trusting in someone else to have done it right.
Have fun.:choppersm

 

[IndyX]

Bought my 2007R and changed everything.
Oil, rear end, coolant, plugs, tires, valve adjustment.

You'll get 1000 opinions on what to do.
I wanted to get it all done to get a baseline for future maintenance.

 

[DizzyD]

Thanks guys.

For the ones that asked, it has 5100 miles on it.

I think I will get most everything done. I would like to do it myself but I don't know much about engines. I'm going to talk to my cousin this weekend and see if he will assist me and teach me. I've heard several people tell me that bike maintenance is expensive and doing it yourself can save alot of money.

 

[DaytonaVTX]

There are more people here that do their own work then have it done.
You have work to do on your bike and you don't know where to start. There is a tech session the weekend of may 5th in maylock, NC here is the thread http://www.vtxcafe.com/showthread.php?t=68021 take the time to read it, you will find how helpful we are here and what we do at tech sessions.
Just because you are new meens nothing, you own an X and that is all that matters. Tell them that you are new and this is what you want to have done and they will put you on the list, all you will have to do is show up with your parts and some wrenches.
Two things will happen, 1. you will get to know your bike very quikly, 2. you will get to know a great group of guys, and put faces to names.... good luck

 

[blackdot]

Thanks guys.

For the ones that asked, it has 5100 miles on it.

I think I will get most everything done. I would like to do it myself but I don't know much about engines. I'm going to talk to my cousin this weekend and see if he will assist me and teach me. I've heard several people tell me that bike maintenance is expensive and doing it yourself can save alot of money.

Lots of great information here as well as great help. Download and read the service manual, if you haven't already.

Take it one step at a time. Start with the simpler fluids. Oil & filter, then move onto rear drive fluid. Then read up and do the brake fluids. Save the coolant for when your more confident as the tank has to come off.

Remember to complete each job BEFORE moving onto to the next and don't start out trying to do it all at once.

And most of all, DO NOT be afraid to ask ANY question. The only dumb question is the one you were afraid to ask, but should have...