Intruders-Alert

First Post! Finally decided to get another bike.On My first ride it sounded loud and a bit like a harley (potato, potato) and back fired a lot. After i purchased it i did some research. This site is GOLD! With a little reading and some handy pics i was able to tune the forward carb to stop gurgling and hear it start to purr. I was amazing to hear it as i adjusted the carb. Big thanks to all the members and info on this site!

I am a new Suzuki owner and not familiar with the ins and outs. What kind of regular maintenance should i plan on? (Esp after getting a new-to-me bike).

What are some things i should look at for a yearly tune-up?

Also I have taken a look at the air filter and found a small puddle of gas at the bottom, what is this from?

1996 Intruder 1400

-JRS

Not really much to do - electronic ignition, hydraulic valve lifters. Basic things, like oil changes (MC-rated oil, only), change the brake fluid at least every 2 years, clutch fluid every year, check the oil in the 'pumpkin' (rear drive unit). You should also check the air cleaners, which requires removing the seat and fuel tank; the stock ones are foam, and can get sucked in when they start to crumble from age. It will probably benefit from a good carb sync, both at idle and with the throttle open; this usually doesn't have to be done more than once, but once you know how, you may check it from time to time. Idle rpm should be about 1000-1100, BTW.

Shell Rotella=T is a good oil.....Reasonable priced & JASO (wet clutch) safe.

Have used Shell Rotella 15-40 in all my motorcycles and 37chevy truck the last twenty years or more.

Its been awhile but update: followed the advice, ended up going synthetic just to give it a try. ive put about 4,000 and oil still *appears* to be clean and viscous. I like it, just a bit more expensive than I like.

also found a few great posts on carb balancing anf adjusting a/f on the carbs. Runs great. Thank you guys!