Motorcycle Forum / General / Yamaha / November 2008

Hi all, this is my first post, so hello from canada  :D

After looking at local mechanic’s rates and then looking at my
paycheque again, I’ve decided to try and learn how to fix motorcycles
myself....a little emphasis on "try"... So far all I’ve ever really
done is the sparkplug/oil & filter change and replaced a couple busted
turn signals on my bike, but now the breaks are
squeaking.....sometimes, so I thought I’d check and see if you guys
had any idea where a newb should start looking. Here’s the
symptoms....
It’s a ’82 virago 920J
Sometimes when I lean into a turn, go over a bump, or otherwize jar
the bike a little, a squeaking sound will come from the front end of
the bike. When I apply a small amount of pressure to the leaver
(barely even touch it really) the sound goes away. Sometimes the sound
will return when I release the break, sometimes it’ll stay gone.
Also, there’s sometimes a slight squeal when I use the breaks
regularaly....like when I need to change the pads, which I’ll probably
end up doing when I try to fix whatever this is...

Thanks in advance for any opinions you may offer
-Steve