matinance

Hey all,
Im looking for advice on what I should look for matinance wise on my bike.

Im a noobie... er "squid".... Never owned a bike in my life. Im not sure what Im going to get right now, Im thinking about getting a GSX-R thats afew years old.

Anyway, back to my question. What kind of (what we in the army call) preventative matinance, should I do? That would be oil changes, etec. When I inspect the bike, what are good things to look for?  

keep the chain cleaned, i usually do this a few times between oil changes, fork seals are something to consider on a used bike, inspect the normal, fluid levels, signals, lights, horn, tire pressure, chain slack, brakes, i usually check my gear now and then too.

if you havent had a bike/been on a bike, i suggest to get something smaller than a SS.  check out the GS500 or any of the v-twins in the 500-650cc range at the biggest.... just my .02  

I think dnobhsoj did a real good job covering matinance. For winter storage, I change the oil right before storing it, that way dirty oil isnt sitting in the motor all winter. I also take the battery out and put Sta-Bil in the gas so it doesnt go bad. If you got stands or somethin use them so your tires dont get flat spots, bit its not that big a deal, I dont always do it. As far as the bike goes, its really up to what you want and can afford. The first bike I bought (and learned how to ride on) was a brand new '06 GSX-R 600. Yea, I know it was a little crazy, but I was REALLY careful and everything was ok. I dont recommend this but it is possible. Honestly what you are thinking of doing, getting a GSX-R 600 that is about 3 years old is a good route.