1800 Prompt List
VTX 1800 Maintenance Schedule and Prompt List
Revised March 2013
General Maintenance Schedule
Note: This Maintenance Schedule and Prompt list is based on information contained in the Honda VTX 1800 Maintenance Manual as well as from posts by senior VTX contributors. Several excellent sources are available for added reference, including reading and video materials at:
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?77-How-To-Step-by-Step
http://tech.bareasschoppers.com/
http://www.vtxcafe.com/
http://northstarriders.com/wordpress/?cat=6 (How-To Videos)
Although maintenance habits vary, all key safety factors and fluids should be checked prior to each ride and given a thorough inspection on a regular basis. Given the lifespan of today’s synthetic oils, engine oil and final drive oils many not need to be replaced earlier than every 6-8 thousand miles, depending on wear. As clutch and brake fluid degrades with time, as well as with use, it should be changed every two years or so, irrespective of mileage. Coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years, on average, as well. Spark plugs should be replaced every 8-16 thousand miles or regularly cleaned, with their gaps checked and replaced when the points show extended wear; while plugs can last over 30k miles, their charging integrity diminishes over time. Since tire wear accelerates when air pressure is kept low, a routine pressure load of 40-42 psi cold is recommended.
Lastly, it should be noted that the
de-smog and
ground-fix are highly recommended as is the purchase of an Official Honda Service manual for the year of the bike. Regular waxing and light detailing, before and after each ride, helps maintain the body integrity and serves as an opportunity to eyeball the entire bike.
The following links are on the internet for two Honda 1800 Service Manuals, a 1300 Service Manual and the 1800 Parts Catalogue. While viewing these on-line may be acceptable the manuals are Copyrighted materials with All Rights Reserved.
Before Each Ride/Weekly
- Look over the bike; spot-check fasteners, cables and hoses
- Check brake lights, turn signals, headlamps and horn
- Check oil and coolant levels (weekly)
- Check tires and air pressure (weekly/every two weeks)
- Depress clutch and brake levers to check resistance
- Wipe down bike with detailer or spray polish
Before Each Long Ride
- Look over the bike; spot-check fasteners, cables and hoses
- Check brake lights, turn signals, headlamps and horn; check headlight aim
- Check oil and coolant levels
- Check tires, air pressure and valve stems
- Depress clutch and brake levers to check resistance
- Check/re-juice battery by placing overnight on Battery Tender
- Wipe down bike with detailer or spray polish
- Check flat repair, tool and emergency gear (rain gear, safety vest)
- Inspect helmet, boots, jacket, glove, earplugs, goggles/helmet visor, and safety gear
- Review/check medication, phone, chargers and extra travel supplies
- Leave route and itinerary information
At Every Tire Change
- Inspect wheel bearings
- Inspect flange bearing in rear wheel
- Ensure moly paste was used to lubricate the drive splines
- Replace tube for spoked tires
- Verify pinch bolt torque
- Verify axle bolt torque
- Verify correct adjustment of front wheel spacing
Spring Cleanup (adjust for items completed per Maintenance schedule or for Winter Storage)
- Clean and re-oil air filter
- Add Techron to gas (2 oz. per full tank, over next 3 fill-ups)
- Check oil level
- Closely inspect each tire and stem; inspect spin, pressurize to 40-42 psi cold
- Tighten battery cables and check battery charge or replace as needed
- Check coolant level
- Check brake fluid color and level; check and hand foot levers and inspect each caliper function
- Check clutch fluid color and level; check lever operation
- Check head and tail lights, turn signals and horn
- Check headlight aim
- Inspect/Replace final drive oil
- Lube gear shifter pivot bolts
- Clean starter switch
- Check for wobble/‘slop’ in the steering neck bearings
- Check tire repair, tool kit, rain gear and other roadside safety equipment
- Inspect helmet, jacket, boots, gloves and riding gear
- Clean and wax bike
Winter Storage
Winter/long-term storage concerns are directly related to the length of time the bike remains idle and the extent of exposure to the elements; the suggested routine is for extended storage and should be tailored to meet one’s needs based on the length of time not ridden. This is an extensive prompt list that covers putting the bike up for a few weeks (items #1-10) through long-term storage (#1-16). Modify practice based length of storage and condition of storage area.
- Top the tank off to the brim with fresh gas and mix in a gas stabilizer, such as SeaFoam.
- Clean (wash and wax) the bike, including frame, tins, wheels and windshield.
- Change the Final Drive and Engine Oil and Filter now/per schedule, instead of waiting for the new riding season.
- Clean and re-oil the Air Filter (or do as part of Spring clean-up)
- Use a leather cleaner or preserver on seat, bags and rubber hoses.
- Put the bike on blocks or a stand; otherwise, store the bike on dry flooring material (unless the floor is sealed). Get as much weight as possible off the tires.
- Keep the bike stored in a dry area, away from items that use high levels of electricity (hot water heater, dryer); the ozone created dry-rots tires more quickly. If dampness is present, keep open cans or bags (pillow cases) of silica gel crystals (cat litter) nearby.
- If rodents can access the bike hang moth balls or other vermin deterrents near bike chassis and plug pipes and air box with steel wool to prevent nesting.
- Use a Battery Tender or Trickle Charger if storing in a vented, fire safe area. If a closed storage area or for long-term storage remove the battery (negative terminal first). If the battery is not sealed, fill it with distilled water up to the marks and store in warm area. Do not start the bike periodically (unless riding for more than a half hour) as this increases condensation in the engine and may drain the battery’s charging potential.
- Cover the bike with a breathable cover or a soft cotton bed sheet.
- Check all nuts and bolts, fluids, lubricate cables and switchgears.
- Spray engine and undercarriage with a light silicone or engine fogging oil; avoid spraying hoses and rubber parts. Apply a thin coat of oil, stainless steel spray or WD40 on chrome.
- Spray fork lowers with WD40, Marvel Mystery Oil, or engine oil, hold the front brake and bounce your weight on the front of the bike to work the front suspension. This will help prevent the rubber fork seal from drying and protect the exposed metal slider
- Remove spark plugs; fill each cylinder with a teaspoon of engine oil, Marvel Mystery Oil or two-stroke oil. Screw the plugs back in hand tight; do not attach plug wires as a reminder to clean plugs in the spring. Use the starter to turn the engine over a couple seconds to distribute the oil throughout the cylinders
- Periodically, operate controls throughout the winter and roll wheels (if on the ground) to a different tire position, if possible. Keep tire pressure up. To minimize tire flat-spotting, the bike can be stored on blocks under the frame. An alternative is to store the bike after the tires have been warmed. They may also be overinflate by a few pounds after the bike has been stored but you must remember to reduce the air when you pull the bike out of storage. If access to the storage area is limited, place some closed cell (the white stuff) styro-foam (1 inch thick or 2 inch better) under the tires for cushion.
- To reduce the effects of moisture on long-term storage, get a few pounds of silica gel particles (non-clay cat litter) and place some in a couple of old pillowcases. These work like the moisture sacks you use for shipping or storing of cameras and such; they absorb excess moisture in the air and release it when the air has warmed up. If you take the bags and let them dry each summer for a few hours in the sun, they'll be fresh as new and can be reused year after year.
General Maintenance Prompt List by Mileage
As a summary document adjustments should be made based on personal preferences and riding habits.
Key: (C) = Clean; (I) = Inspect; and (A) = Adjust
Every 4,000 to 8,000 miles (unless completed during Spring Cleanup or Winter Storage work)
Every 4,000
____Brakes (I): fluid color and level; foot and hand levers; calipers for ease of function
____Brake Pads (I): inspect wear indicators
____Brake Light Bulb (I)
____Clutch: check fluid color and level; check lever operation
____Clutch Kill Switch (I): check wear on plunger at lever
____Starter Button (C): clean contacts in cut-off switch, at throttle housing
____Emergency On/Off Switch (I)
____Headlight/Headlight Aim (I)
____Turn Signals Bulbs (I)
____Battery (I): examine that battery is holding charge
____Engine Oil (I); unless otherwise indicated, check with bike off and upright
____Engine Idle Speed (I); VTX 1800: ideal idle speed at 900-950 rpms
____Spark Plugs (I)
____Final Drive Oil (R): use Hypoid shaft gear oil 75W-90 or 80W-90; replace drain plug crush washer (14 mm.); inspect Fill Plug O-ring (OEM # 91302-001-020)
____Gear Shifter (C): Lube pivot/linkage bolts under dust booties w/ marine grade grease
____Air Filter (C): clean and re-oil (ie. with K&N)
____Crankcase Breather (C); Secondary Air Supply System (I): unless removed
____Engine Radiator Coolant (I): inspect level at reservoir
____Water Pump (I)
____Tire Wear (I); check tread depth, sidewalls and stems
____Side Stand (I)
____ Suspension & Rear Shock Bushings (I)
____Steering Head Bearings (I); check for wobble/clicking: lock front brakes, rock bike back and forth or with bike on lift, lightly push and lift front end
____(1800) Fuel Injectors (C): add cleaner, ie Techron at 2 oz. per full tank, over next 3 fill-ups
____Hoses and wires (I)
____Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners (I): inspect overall for fastness; double check wheels
____Check flat repair, tool and emergency gear
____Inspect helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, earplugs, goggles, and safety gear
8,000 miles
____Engine Oil (R): drain warm, replace w/ 3.9 quarts; rplc both crush washers (12 mm)
____Engine Oil Filter (R): hand-tighten; ie. Purolator PL14612 (2.5 inch) or longer PL14610 (3.5 in); Mobil 1M1-1108 (2.25 in) or longer Mobil 1M1-110 (3.25 in)
____Engine Idle Speed (I/A); set idle speed at 900-950 rpms
____Brake Fluid (R): use 1 pint synthetic DOT 3 & 4 ( ie.Valvoline /clear)
____Brake Pads (I): inspect wear indicators; check ease of caliper piston movement
____Brake Pads (I): inspect wear indicators; check levers and calipers for operation
____Brake Light Bulb (I)
____Brake Light Switch (I)
____Clutch Fluid (R): use 1 pint synthetic DOT 3 & 4 (ie. Valvoline/clear); checker lever
____Clutch Kill Switch (I): check wear on plunger at lever
____Starter Button (C): clean contacts in cut-off switch, at throttle housing
____Emergency On/Off Switch (I)
____Headlight/Headlight Aim (I)
____Turn Signals Bulbs (I)
____Battery (I): examine that battery is holding charge; tighten battery cables
____Engine Oil (I); unless otherwise indicated, check with bike off and upright
____Engine Idle Speed (I); VTX 1800: ideal idle speed at 900-950 rpms
____Valve/Lash Adjustment (A)
____ Spark Plugs (R); ie. IFR5L11 or Bosch 4419 iridium tips
____Final Drive Oil (R): use Hypoid shaft gear oil 75W-90 or 80W-90; replace drain plug crush washer (14 mm.); inspect Fill Plug O-ring (OEM # 91302-001-020)
____Gear Shifter (C): Lube pivot/linkage bolts under dust booties w/ marine grade grease
____Air Filter (C): clean and re-oil (ie. with K&N)
____Crankcase Breather (C); Secondary Air Supply System (I): unless removed
____Engine Radiator Coolant (R): use silicate free only; inspect level at reservoir
____Water Pump (I)
____Tire Wear (I); check tread depth, sidewalls and stems
____Side Stand (I)
____ Suspension & Rear Shock Bushings (I)
____Steering Head Bearings (I); check for wobble/clicking: lock front brakes, rock bike back and forth or with bike on lift, lightly push and lift front end
____(1800) Fuel Injectors (C): add cleaner, ie Techron at 2 oz. per full tank, over next 3 fill-ups
____Hoses and wires (I)
____Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners (I): inspect overall for fastness; double check wheels
____Check flat repair, tool and emergency gear
____Inspect helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, earplugs, goggles, and safety gear
Every 16,000 to 24,000 miles (in addition to 8k prompt items)
____All 8K prompt items
____Radiator Coolant (R; if not done at 8k)
____Spark Plugs (R; if not done at 8k)); ie.IFR5L11 or Bosch 4419 iridium tips
____Brake Pads (R)
____Turn Signal Bulbs (R); stock: GE 1157)
____Tail Light Bulb (R); stock: P21/5W 12 V
____Headlight (R): 9003
____Front Fork Oil (I/R)
____Throttle Cable (A): Lubricate/Adjust
____Rear Shock bushings (I/R)
____Radiator Grill (C)
____Radiator Cap (C)
____Engine Fan (I)
____Axle Bolts (A): loosen and retighten
____Fork Pinch Bolts (A): loosen and retighten
40,000 miles ____Coil spark plug wire (R)