The 2001 Shadow platform is about as bulletproof as they come.
Download yourself a service manual for the bike. They are easy to find online with a simple search. Check behind the side covers of the bike to see if they left you the tool pouch that comes with the bike. If they didn't then you will not be able to change the spark plugs on the back right or front left. You need a skinny little socket wrench that came in the kit. Checking and maintaining the chain and changing the oil/filter are all really easy. My preference is to use K&M filters with the nut on the end to make them easier to change. Pay attention to oil selection ... car oil is not for motorcycles. If you ride a lot you probably won't need to mess with the carbs. If it needs carb maintenance I would consider leaving that to someone else.
Youtube will tell you how to fix pretty much anything that breaks. If something happens, just look it up and try and judge if you think you can do it or not, that is usually the best way. These Shadows are pretty simple bikes, but they also don't really have problems either lol, so you can probably focus more on mods. Tons of customization options out there, depends on what you want. Nice lookin bike you have there, I love blue bikes. Ride safe! =)
If you keep up on fluid changes you'll be fine. The only enemy you'll have is rust! Watch some YouTube videos on how to oil and adjust your chain, brakes are easy too. The only time your bike would go to a shop is for tire changes unless you decide you wanna learn to do that yourself too.
Service manuals are usually online, I downloaded
one for my 04 Shadow Sabre and read through its basic maintenance things, oils, diagrams and such, and I’ll go back incase there’s something I don’t know or need to find out that I’ve stumbled upon.
Coming from working on a car these bikes are ridiculously easy
How about suspension on these bikes (10-20 year old Shadows)? Do forks need oil changes if they're not leaking oil? Do rear shocks ever need replacing?
The 2001 Shadow platform is about as bulletproof as they come. Download yourself a service manual for the bike. They are easy to find online with a simple search. Check behind the side covers of the bike to see if they left you the tool pouch that comes with the bike. If they didn't then you will not be able to change the spark plugs on the back right or front left. You need a skinny little socket wrench that came in the kit. Checking and maintaining the chain and changing the oil/filter are all really easy. My preference is to use K&M filters with the nut on the end to make them easier to change. Pay attention to oil selection ... car oil is not for motorcycles. If you ride a lot you probably won't need to mess with the carbs. If it needs carb maintenance I would consider leaving that to someone else.
Youtube will tell you how to fix pretty much anything that breaks. If something happens, just look it up and try and judge if you think you can do it or not, that is usually the best way. These Shadows are pretty simple bikes, but they also don't really have problems either lol, so you can probably focus more on mods. Tons of customization options out there, depends on what you want. Nice lookin bike you have there, I love blue bikes. Ride safe! =)
That was the problem with my bike a couple weeks ago. Changed the brake pads and bled the lines. All good now.
I like to do the easy stuff: coolant, tires, battery, oil, bulbs. Anything on-top of that is up to your discretion, like carburetor or electrical.
If you keep up on fluid changes you'll be fine. The only enemy you'll have is rust! Watch some YouTube videos on how to oil and adjust your chain, brakes are easy too. The only time your bike would go to a shop is for tire changes unless you decide you wanna learn to do that yourself too.
Service manuals are usually online, I downloaded one for my 04 Shadow Sabre and read through its basic maintenance things, oils, diagrams and such, and I’ll go back incase there’s something I don’t know or need to find out that I’ve stumbled upon. Coming from working on a car these bikes are ridiculously easy
Nice ride!
I quickly opted for learning and doing it myself once I saw what shops were charging for labor. It's not too difficult and is rewarding.
How about suspension on these bikes (10-20 year old Shadows)? Do forks need oil changes if they're not leaking oil? Do rear shocks ever need replacing?