So im 18, and was thinking of buying a Ninja 250 or 300, used or new, does not matter. But I was wondering how I would learn to care for a motorcycle and the maintenance of it. Should I get one first and learn as I go? Or should I, I don‘t know, read up about it first. I have already started reading the basics and watching some YouTube videos. But just looking for some input. Also, I have like no knowledge of motorcycles and engines Like I would need to learn about all the brake pads, exhaust pipe, chain maintenance, oil levels, transmission stuff.
Well first of all I think you should definitely learn to ride on a used bike. When you buy a motorcycle it comes with a manual that ought to tell you everything you need to know. It has a maintenance schedule, how often you do different things. Most of the things an owner usually does himself are pretty simple and straightforward. Changing the oil, adjusting chain tension, tire inflation pressures, coolant levels if it's a liquid-cooled bike, stuff like that. Brake pads are pretty simple. And you need to learn how to take the wheels off because motorcycle tire shops want to see a wheel, not a whole motorcycle. Gotta change the sparkplugs every so often, that's not a big deal. Valve adjustments for overhead cams are with shims and that's probably beyond you, but you only adjust them every 30,000 miles or so, and if you really want you can buy a service manual and get into it, or other stuff that needs to be done. You might need a new battery every 3-5 years, but that's pretty simple. The exhaust system is pretty much maintenance free unless you replace it. Aftermarket exhaust systems are perhaps the most popular aftermarket accessory, but people replace them for no other reason than to make the bike louder. Otherwise it will be years and years before the mufflers rust out and you need to replace them. Motorcycles today are very low-maintenance. Especially for a bike that doesn't have a lot of miles on it.
When you purchase your bike, a mechanic at the shop should give you a rundown of how the systems work and what maintenance you should do. Also, the user manual has much of this information as well.
