Help finding the "beginners" thread?

Hi All, first, my apologies (yes I have tried the search function to no avail)

I recall seeing on this site, a while back, a specific thread targeted towards new bike owners and first time riders.

I have the DOHC Maxim, I'm familiar with how to find the service manual on this site, but the one thread I can't seem to locate again is the one that has info on the basics for safety and things to check periodically (start of the season, before storage, before each ride, etc).

Any help or someone linking me to the right thread would be very much appreciated!

The site has been a tremendous help so far.
Using some of the knowledge I've picked up on this site, I was able to strip a 50cc pocket bike down to a rolling chasis today, with my son, and completely disassemble the engine and then rebuild it back, including a carb clean, and get it running! Had a blast in just a few hours with my son. (not a technical full strip down.. but we took the exhaust off, cylinder off, and many many more pieces.)

Thanks!

well of course one minute after posting this I find it. Ah. my bad

for those interested:
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/

Periodic maintenance can be found in the owners manual and thats what you should refer to.

Things you generally change automatically: tires, all fluids, brake lines, brake pads, MC rebuild, battery. Swing arm bearing/bushings should be inspected thoroughly Including the front forks and neck bearings and wheel bearings.

That goes for every bike.

Some makes and models are known to have their issues or have impossible or hard-to-find expensive parts. This is why you should be wary of just buying any bike because its available for cheap and needs some work. Youre better off paying more for a decent running bike. Off the top of my head, I know that GSXRs are known to have 2nd gear issues. So these are some of the things you need to research and look out for.

Generally speaking checking in the TECH section is a good place to start looking. For those who don't know where the TECH section is look up near top of page. See the TECH. click it.
Leo