A beginner's guide to maintenance tools: Difference between revisions

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Just like gear is needed before you start riding, information is needed before you start wrenching. This forum, its associated FAQ and archive search are an Amazing free resource. Chances are that no matter what you plan on doing, a handful of members have already done the same job. And it's even fairly likely that there's a pictorial write-up floating about with step-by-step instructions. But that doesn't mean you should skip out on buying the [[Service Manual|factory service manuals]] ~ there's a LOT of detailed information in those 2 manuals that's not found anywhere else. And yes, that includes the cheap aftermarket knock-offs... There is sometimes information in those that is just blatantly wrong.  
Just like gear is needed before you start riding, information is needed before you start wrenching. This forum, its associated FAQ and archive search are an Amazing free resource. Chances are that no matter what you plan on doing, a handful of members have already done the same job. And it's even fairly likely that there's a pictorial write-up floating about with step-by-step instructions. But that doesn't mean you should skip out on buying the [[Service Manual|factory service manuals]] ~ there's a LOT of detailed information in those 2 manuals that's not found anywhere else. And yes, that includes the cheap aftermarket knock-offs... There is sometimes information in those that is just blatantly wrong.  


99924-1066-01 Service Manual EX250E 36.95<br>
[http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Ninja_250_Rider%27s_bookshelf#Maintenance_and_Repair See here] for the manuals needed and their associated part numbers. You can buy the manuals from anywhere that supplies Factory Kawasaki parts. Since this is asked from time to time, there are no legal downloads. It's not on CD, and be wary of the copies on ebay ~ Kawasaki takes its copyright laws seriously.  
99924-1109-65 Service Manual Supplement* EX250F 31.95
 
Above are the 2 manuals needed and their associated part numbers. You can buy the manuals from anywhere that supplies Factory Kawasaki parts, such as [http://buykawasaki.com/Default.asp? buykawasaki.com], [http://www.ronayers.com/index.cfm Ron Ayers], [http://www.repairmanual.com/motorcycles/ Repair Manual.com], and your local dealership. The noted prices are full retail. Since this is asked from time to time, there '''are no legal downloads''', it's not on CD and be wary of the copies on ebay ~ Kawasaki takes its copyright laws seriously.  


Now that you have the information available, it's a good idea to thoroughly read and research whatever task you're going to tackle. Know if you will need any consumable parts, like o-rings, crush washers or gaskets, and order those well before you plan on doing the work. Know the [[Torque Values]] of all the bolts you're going to be touching, and you might even want to photocopy the page(s) you'll be using so they're handy for quick reference without smudging up your books. There's Nothing worse than doing some simple service and having to put it all on hold while you look up the next step in the process or wait for a part to be delivered. If you've got all your information together and you're still hesitant, ask if there's anyone in the area that can help ~ there are members all over the place with different levels of mechanical skill... one may be near you and able to help.  
Now that you have the information available, it's a good idea to thoroughly read and research whatever task you're going to tackle. Know if you will need any consumable parts, like o-rings, crush washers or gaskets, and order those well before you plan on doing the work. Know the [[Torque Values]] of all the bolts you're going to be touching, and you might even want to photocopy the page(s) you'll be using so they're handy for quick reference without smudging up your books. There's Nothing worse than doing some simple service and having to put it all on hold while you look up the next step in the process or wait for a part to be delivered. If you've got all your information together and you're still hesitant, ask if there's anyone in the area that can help ~ there are members all over the place with different levels of mechanical skill... one may be near you and able to help.