OH (overhaul) definitions are pretty much subjective anyway.
I think that before you feel degradation, small amounts of wear gradually become significant and you finally notice it.
Let’s call it a turning point.
The moment you turn that corner, suddenly—bang—your knees buckle, and you hit a rough patch.
I recommend spending a little effort instead of a lot of money.
First, tire pressure.
You can actually use a bicycle pump too. It takes more strokes, though.
It doesn’t cost anything, and there’s nothing that beats tire pressure for getting a huge free benefit.
Most people run too low. When you ride, it’s definitely down (probably).
You might as well get an affordable rechargeable one.
*I hadn’t seen one in a while, and wow, the world has come such a long way… (；∀；)
Drive chain adjustment and lubrication
This requires some tools, so I’ll skip the adjustment part. But if you lubricate the drive chain properly, I think you’ll notice a significant reduction in the jerky feeling when you turn the throttle on and off.
The lube might fly off easily, but Tri-Flow works fine too.
Control lubrication
Brake and clutch levers / shift pedal and brake pedal / side stand
When everything is smooth, it should return smoothly after you operate it.
If it doesn’t return well when you hold it down, that’s poor lubrication. Give it a little squirt now and then.
It’s a bit pricey, but I personally love using Tri-Flow.
Throttle cable and clutch cable play
This is really important. If you can’t do it, don’t touch it.
Basically, everyone has way too much play.
More play means you have to move the controls more.
It’s such a small thing, but
“the acceleration feels better! The throttle response is sharper! The gears go in easier!”—I think that’s actually what’s working here.
Pedal and lever position adjustment.
For better or worse, humans are creatures of habit.
What comes to mind especially is the rear brake pedal. Can you keep your foot on the pedal the whole time you’re riding?
Usually the angle is off, so you’re up on your tiptoes or turning your foot outward, I’d bet.
With aftermarket shift pedals too, there are quite a few people who set them at an awkward angle (bending the rod the wrong way) and just ride with it.
If you set it to a comfortable angle, the shift feel naturally gets better.
Before you start talking about oil quality, you should check this stuff.
Lever adjustment is up to you too. Generally, manufacturers set them a bit below horizontal. But human sizes vary, and so do preferences.
Adjustment is free, so set them to the angle that feels comfortable for you, and I think you’ll be able to focus more on your riding.
