So last weekend I looked at my 2011 Triumph Daytona 675 sitting there and thought, man this beauty needs some love. You know how these British bikes are – finicky but amazing when they run right. Decided to knock out basic maintenance before riding season really kicks in.
Getting Started
First I dragged out my tools onto the driveway:
- Bike stand for rear wheel
- Oil pan that always leaks a bit
- Basic socket set with 8mm through 17mm
- Cheap torque wrench from Harbor Freight
- Gallon jug of 10W-40 synthetic oil
- Knockoff K&N air filter I got online
Oil Change Mess
Undid the drain bolt with 14mm socket – oil sprayed everywhere cuz I forgot to loosen the filler cap first. Total rookie move. After cleaning that mess, the filter was stuck tight. Ended up stabbing it with a screwdriver like a caveman to twist it off. Put in new filter hand-tight and refilled with 2.7 quarts oil like the manual says.
Filter Fiasco
Popped the tank up after disconnecting the fuel line – little gas spilled on the frame, smelled like a refinery for an hour. The old air filter looked like it had mice living in it. Cleaned the airbox with shop towels before cramming the new filter in. Took three tries to seat it properly without pinching the rubber seal.
Chain Time
Stuck the bike on paddock stand, measured chain slack at the tightest spot. Way too loose – like two inches when it should be one. Loosened the axle nut, fought with the chain adjusters that hadn’t moved since 2014. Eventually got even tension on both sides, tightened everything to 65 ft-lbs while holding the brake caliper so the wheel wouldn’t spin.
Test Ride Woes
Fired her up – immediately saw oil dripping near filter. Forgot to wipe residual oil from earlier mess. Rode around the block: shifting felt crunchy so I came back to check chain tension again. Turns out I made it too tight after adjustment. Backed off quarter turn on each side and suddenly she purred.
Lessons Learned
Key takeaway? Everything’s easier on YouTube videos than in real life. But after 4 hours of swearing and greasy hands, that first proper acceleration out of my neighborhood made it worth it. These bikes aren’t maintenance queens – they’re maintenance empresses. But damn they’re fun when happy.
