what are the best products for motorcycle maintenance ( e.g. lubricants, brake fluids, etc) ?
You know, some of these questions seem so. well, there's no way to describe it and stay within the guidelines of the terms and conditions of this forum. so I can't say this is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. far from that. Let's go back to driving school for a minute. CLUTCH, then shift, turn off, then release clutch. use 1st or reverse.
Like Tamarack said, follow the manual, ast least with regard to the specifications of each lube or fluid (examples -- API service grade for motor oil, GL-number for hypoid lube, DOT number for brake fluid). You may be able to use a different (better) grade for each material but you also risk major incompatibilites if you don't know what you're doing (e.g. wrong brake fluid will mess up your whole system). Hard to have brand loyalty for fluids because no one manufacturer makes them all. The only thing I'd say about brands is the manufacturers sell stuff under their own name for too much $$ but if you match their grade requirements they cannot refuse warranty claims because of it.
Never use anything on tires especially armor all its very dangerous and cracks the tires and makes you crash. If the bike has what is called a Wet clutch, that is the clutch itself shares the oil with the engine, then I recommand semi-synthetic oil and not full snythetic as it tends to make the clutch slip and wear it out faster. Good oil is Golden Spectro Excellent product for flat tires is STOP N GO tire repair which actually seals and airs up the tire.
1. A good set of tools so you have the correct tool for the task. This will make the job easier, faster with less damage to the part being worked on. 2. A shop manual or Clymers manual. (The Clymers is geared more to owners where the shop manuals assume you are already a mechanic and just need specific model advice) 3. Regarding lubricants etc. Use the specific type your owners manual recommends. Do not substitute. For example if it says use Moly grease don't use wheel bearing grease. As far as brand is concerned just don't use the cheapest and you should be okay. I do like Mobil 1 Synthetic for my oil however. It's comparable to AMsoil but cheaper and more readily available.
leave it in neutral, turn off car, then put it into 1st gear and apply handbrakes also for goo measures. what ever you do don't for get to take it out of gear when you start. and leave handbrakes on so car doesn't roll.
