Well, it's time (for some parts it may be past time) to do a lot of the maintenance on the bike. A lot of this stuff I've never done before, and like the very first tire change I could very well screw it up big time. The tasks I don't have any experience with include changing the fork oil, and renewing the brake fluid.

I have been dreading this day since I got the bike, but as it turns out it wasn't all that bad. It was actually quite rewarding and relaxing. As usual, I searched the Internet for all the help I could get. During my search I came across this very helpful site (blueproof bikes). The instructions although not pertaining exactly to my make of motorcycle, were very detailed and well written. There was information there on changing both the fork and brake fluids, along with a whole host of other goodies. So, I read up on all the necessary steps, grabbed my manual and then off I went.

Even though I was really worried that I might screw up the suspension by putting the wrong amount of oil back into the forks, and that the brakes might feel like jelly after I was done servicing them, the maintenance had to be done. Besides, after unscrewing the first fork cap it was way too late to turn back.

Since this was my first time, I went to the store and bought way too much of everything. I think there is enough fresh brake fluid left over to service at least five more bikes. Don't even mention the remaining fork oil.

It was definitely a good decision to do the maintenance now though. It was also great that I got to perform it myself. When I dismantled the forks, one of them had fluid in it that was a different color than the other. Not only that, but the fluid was really watery. It was a totally a different consistency for sure. Could this have been water from my excursion into the lake. Seems unlikely, but who knows.

The new oil was a different color from both the original fluids. This was an ocean-like blue compared to the old cough-syrup red, and the muddy brown water that was originally in there. I used a set of vernier calipers to measure the level of the new oil poured back into the fork tubes (while crossing my fingers). I pumped, and pumped, and pumped the cartridge some more to make sure the fluid was properly distributed. There was no way of telling what the bike would feel like until it was all back together again, and I could take it for a test ride.

Changing the brake fluid was pretty straightforward as well. It wasn't even that tedious. Those little reservoirs don't really hold much. My biggest fear next to getting air in the tubes was spilling fluid on the bike. Everything was well protected with a healthy dose of rags, so that was covered. And, I didn't get any air in the lines either.

Oh, did I forget to mention that I was putting on a new size tire as well?

Yes, I am going to start using the 120/70-17 instead of the 16's that come as original equipment from the factory, since there are a wider variety of tires available in this size (particularly racing slicks).

So aside from the bike feeling different from changing the tires, and lowering the suspension. It may not handle well because I messed-up changing the fork oil. Okay.

Well, I got everything back together, and finally got to test ride it 2 days after doing the maintenance. And, even though I was apprehensive at first, going around the corners at my previous pace, I noticed the bike was handling well. Very well indeed. The front feels just a little bit firmer than before, giving a lot more feedback, but it still rides over the bumps quite well (sticking, no slippage). The lowered front does turn-in quicker. I can only tell by looking at the tires, because I am way too busy going faster around the corners than I did before.

The new geometry actually seems to be perfect, as now I have a nice bit of chicken strip on the front tire (~ 4mm) that I didn't have before. This is nice to have for the times I really get hungry. The tridents actually seem to match up now with regards to the tire wear.

So, another maintenance complete, and the bike seemingly handles better than before. Awesome!