Replacing Stock Parts on Assembly/Prep

[Pittsoccer33]

I've seen on the prep guide sheet and on some thread postings that suggest flat out removing some stock pieces and immediately adding upgraded parts (such as spark plugs for example).

I was wondering if anyone thinks it is worth the extra effort to go a few steps farther. I was thinking of stock pieces I could replace during set up and came up with this list:

-oil
-brake fluid
-filters
-plugs and wires
-battery
-all the stock screws/nuts/bolts for installation and around the carb etc (upgrade to some better quality steel)
-o rings (at least lube the ones thats applicable to)
-chain
-brake pads
-cables

Am I wasting time/money considering this, or are there some other things that forum readers would replace too? My thought was that by replacing a lot of the "junk" parts that I'll be able to get a head start on preventive maintainance.

[warrior91]

Fuel lines/ rubber hoses...all zip ties

[IronFist]

inner-tubes too...
You're not paranoid, you're right on the money brother. :D

[DesertDog]

handle bars , cause they have led in theirs,

reweld all weld spots

[red2003]

Am I wasting time/money considering this, or are there some other things that forum readers would replace too? .

I think you are wasting your money. If you dump another $500 in replacement parts you could have taken the $2000.00 and bought a good used Japanese DS. For everyday riding, all the things you mention are fine to leave stock. IF you plan more aggressive, hard riding, you bought the wrong bike to begin with. I am going on 2500 miles and haven't had to replace anything on your list yet, except the oil. All my mods were done for performance, not because the stock pieces failed.

[Komoto250cc]

red,

you sound a little defensive about chinese made bikes. Most new jap bikes are at least 5000.00

[rigidchop]

he said used

[IronFist]

My front tube went flat on the road. When I changed it out I could rip it and tear it with my bare hands. I guess it's just my personal opinion but if I had it all to do over again, I'd of done the tubes sooner, not later. I'm not saying that all chinabikes come with dried out inner tubes. Yours might be just fine.

[warrior91]

My fuel lines/ vent line started falling apart after 1 tank of fuel.
Tie rod boots on my boys quad cracked and dry flaked after a month of riding...
The yamahas boots are still good after 17 years.

I love the motor...hate the little things. :twisted:

[fatboy250]

I think you are wasting your money. If you dump another $500 in replacement parts you could have taken the $2000.00 and bought a good used Japanese DS. For everyday riding, all the things you mention are fine to leave stock. IF you plan more aggressive, hard riding, you bought the wrong bike to begin with. I am going on 2500 miles and haven't had to replace anything on your list yet, except the oil. All my mods were done for performance, not because the stock pieces failed.

agreed and I have over 14k and Dad's over 10k.

[yurkia]

Had the worst luck with tubes in my bike first day out. New ones doing well through the worst stuff I could throw at em.

[ambassador]

I agree with Red totally, you don't have to go overkill, use your best judgement.. If it looks like it's not up to par, replace it...

[warrior91]

Also riding situations should count.
If you are driving in town or next to a town in a populated area...Parts and help are easy to find.
If you are in the backountry you will be plenty put out if your tubes blow for no reason, simple little bolt breaks, fuel delivery is compromised ...etc...etc. But then again I was always an eagle scout...or Mcgyver. :wink:

[Jim]

Definitely change the oil... The rest does seem overkill, and increases the money you've got into the bike a lot...

[IronFist]

Also riding situations should count.
If you are driving in town or next to a town in a populated area...Parts and help are easy to find.
If you are in the backountry you will be plenty put out if your tubes blow for no reason, simple little bolt breaks, fuel delivery is compromised ...etc...etc. But then again I was always an eagle scout...or Mcgyver. :wink:

Ok I guess I worry too much. I'm a Mcgyver too. My tool kit is way too big. I'll probably not use half the stuff in the kit while on the road. My tires are better than I need for the riding I do. That's just me, maybe a few others too. I really like fixing my bike, and don't mind spending a few bucks so that I have parts to work with, and new options to try. I see rich people taking their bikes to the shop for routine service and think; they are missing out on half the fun.

Pittsoccer33 Wrote:

" My thought was that by replacing a lot of the "junk" parts that I'll be able to get a head start on preventive maintainance."

Preventive maintainance is not a bad idea in my book. If you have the money, the time, and you enjoy working on you bike, go right ahead Pittsoccer33. I don't see how preventive maintainance is going to hurt.