The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (July 2 and 3, 2011)

Not my bike, this is a pre-North Carolina built (and they have been sold now to Polaris, so that factory will be closing) Indian with an S+S engine (came out with that before they starting making their own engine. Best of luck with this classic brand to Polaris (they also make Victory Motorcycles by the way).
Saw this during the test ride (the second one actually) following two days of motorcycle maintenance. Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you. Had a few "two year things" and some other items to do on the Vulcan (which is my ride) this weekend. On Saturday; I changed the oil. Though the mileage is not due, had some 2,000 miles on an old bit of oil in the engine, thought it a good idea to freshen it up with some new. I changed the rear gear oil in the shaft drive, again for the same reason as the oil change. Anti-freeze had been in the bike for two years, time for some new Honda anti-freeze, I like that because it is pre-mixed and is made for motorcycle engines. Took the bike after that for a short 20 mile ride around the area to make sure nothing bad happened, and nothing lit up; but all was perfect.
On Sunday morning, I put new brake pads on the front wheel of the Vulcan. Thankfully I had a manual, and a great Vulcan web site to help, ran into a few confusing issues, but it all worked out, and got those on. Good idea to test them out, had to pump them up a bit before they worked after I had pushed the Pistons in on the calipers (part of the installation). I also bled the brakes front and rear (rear brakes are still good with a bit over 50% left on them), and the clutch fluid as well. Then I took the bike for a short 35 mile ride, and again, it was all very good. No problems and this bike is ready for a few days of some serious and hopefully interesting rides.
I am going to make sure everything is still tight before the next ride, and will also be lubing the throttle cable tomorrow, as well as checking the tire pressures . That will keep it up to date. Good maintenance is important, and vital for that matter both for the protection of the investment in the bike, and also for your own personal safety.