Motorcycles are a joy to ride, but they can also be a headache to maintain. Motorcycles have many moving parts that need regular maintenance, and it’s easy for riders to get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. By following some simple steps each time you take your bike in for service or when performing general maintenance at home, you can keep your motorcycle running smoothly for years to come:
Clean and lube your Chain
- Clean and lube your chain: Dirt, dust, and mud can quickly accumulate on a motorcycle’s chain and sprockets. Stale oil doesn’t lubricate as well as fresh oil does, so you should change your motor oil if it’s more than 3 months old (older than that and you risk damaging your engine). To clean the chain:
- Use a degreaser to remove dirt from the chain, being careful not to get any into the rear sprocket where it will cause damage
- Use a brush to help loosen up particles of dirt that may remain after using a liquid degreaser
- Rinse off the degreaser residue with warm water from an outside faucet; do not use hot water as this can damage rubber parts
- Dry off the remaining moisture with a towel or rag
Check your tire pressure
- Check your tire pressure. Before every ride, check the tire pressure of all four tires.
- Check the cold tire pressure. Even if you’re riding on a sweltering summer day, remember that your tires will be cooler than normal because they haven’t been used recently.
Check for cracks and unusual tension
Next, check for cracks or unusual tension in the frame and body. Run your hands along all parts of the motorcycle, feeling for any place where there might be a loose bolt or another fastener. Also, check for signs that parts are not aligned correctly. Keep an eye out for any unusual noises coming from your motorcycle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
If you spot these problems early on, it will be easier to fix them before they become serious issues that could cause more damage to other parts of your bike.
Wash your motorcycle regularly
Washing your motorcycle regularly will help keep it in good condition.
- Use mild soap and water to clean the bike.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt and grime from the frame, fenders, wheels, and hubs.
- Rinse off any soapy residue with clean water from a hose or bucket.
- Dry your bike thoroughly with a towel
Clean and inspect your air filter
- Change your air filter
Air filters are important for keeping your engine running efficiently and smoothly. If you don’t regularly change your air filter, it can become clogged with dirt and other debris, which will cause your motorcycle to run less efficiently. You should check the air filter regularly—every couple of weeks or so is ideal—and replace it when needed. To determine if it’s time to replace the filter, look at how dirty it is and whether or not it has been damaged (for example: torn). If you see that your bike’s engine isn’t as powerful as usual or if you notice that there is an odd sound coming from under the hood, then consider changing the filter right away.
- How do I know when my motorcycle needs an oil change?
- What kind of oil should I use?
Check your oil level
Check your oil level daily. Most motorcycles have a sight glass that indicates when the oil needs to be changed but don’t wait until you see a low-level warning before checking it. The oil keeps your engine running smoothly and protects it from wear and tear. If you run out of oil, you’ll damage your engine’s parts right away—and eventually end up with costly repairs. There are two ways to check your motorcycle’s oil: visually (through the sight glass) or by drilling down into the reservoir with an oil dipstick/strip on it. Check both methods frequently and make sure there is enough in there at all times!
If you want more information about how often you should check your motorcycle’s engine oil level, consult our friend Wikipedia:
By keeping up with a simple routine of maintenance, you will be able to ride worry-free.
While it’s easy to forget, maintenance is an important part of your motorcycle riding experience. By keeping up with a simple routine of maintenance, you will be able to ride worry-free.
Some of the benefits that come from having your motorcycle maintained include:
- Saving money on repairs and breakdowns in the future. Motorcycles are machines that require regular care, just like any other vehicle you might own. By performing basic maintenance tasks at regular intervals, you can avoid breakdowns and costly repairs by prolonging the lifespan of key components such as oil filters and air filters. Additionally, if something does happen to go wrong while out on a ride, there is less chance that someone else will have to fix it because they know how!
- Avoiding accidents caused by faulty equipment or poor road conditions (think potholes). Having good tires like this motorcycle stores in Melbourne can mean the difference between being able to safely navigate through these dangers without losing control or having an accident due to poor traction or bad handling characteristics during turns/acceleration/braking maneuvers at high speeds.”
Conclusion
Keeping your motorcycle in top condition is so simple, and it will save you a lot of money and worry later on down the road. By following these tips and doing regular maintenance, you’ll always be able to ride with peace of mind.
