Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all roadside fatalities. Thus, proper motorcycle care is vital. It’s true that with proper motorcycle maintenance, you can lengthen the life of your motorcycle.
But with so many parts, how do you even begin to ensure your bike is safe and sound? Whether you’re a casual rider or an enthusiast, you should follow some essential maintenance tips to ensure that your motorcycle is safe to ride.
Keep reading to learn some motorcycle maintenance tips you can use to keep your bike in good condition.
1. Tire Care and Pressure Maintenance
Maintaining motorcycle tires is essential for safety and fuel efficiency. Regularly check for wheel alignment and wheel balance and repair as necessary. Once a month, check the tire pressure when the tires are cold.
Proper air pressure should be at or close to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Check for uneven wear, damage, or any other unusual wear. Uneven wear can be caused by over- or under-inflation, incorrect wheel balance, wheel alignment, and tire choice.
Check the tread depth on both tires with a tire depth gauge. Replace tires that have less than 1/16 of an inch or when the tire tread first indicator appears. Additionally, check the sidewalls of the tires for any cracks, bubbles, or damage caused by aging, vibration, or overloading.
2. Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are essential for proper motorcycle maintenance. Increasing oil viscosity (thickness) due to heat and friction causes engine wear, fuel loss, and increased engine deposits. It is essential to consult your motorcycle manual for your motorcycle’s specific oil change interval.
Generally, it is recommended to replace your oil every 3000 miles or three months. Before changing the oil, warm up your motorcycle engine for at least 3-5 minutes, ensuring that the automotive fluid has circulated before draining it.
Utilize the oil filter recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer, and change that too. Always use the grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Ensure the oil is clean and not contaminated when refilling the engine with oil. Lastly, tightening all screws, bolts, and drain plugs is vital after an oil change.
3. Proper Chain Lubrication and Maintenance
Proper lubrication and maintenance of the chain on a motorcycle are essential to overall motorcycle performance. A motorcycle rider should follow some critical steps to ensure proper chain longevity.
First and foremost, a rider should clean the chain regularly to prevent dirt and grit build-up. A simple cloth is all that is needed to remove any loose debris. A rider should also use a specific motorcycle chain lubricant, which will help ensure better protection and performance than other oils or lubricants.
Also, checking the chain’s tightness is vital to ensure it is not too tight or too loose. If the chain is too tight, this can lead to accelerated wear and tear, whereas a loose chain can cause problems with power transfer. Finally, the rider should always check for wear and tear before and after every ride and replace the chain if necessary.
4. Inspecting Your Brake Pads and Discs
To ensure your motorcycle remains roadworthy and safe, you should inspect the brakes frequently. Brake pads and discs are essential components that provide friction and stopping power when you press the brakes. It is important to check the pads for wear as they gradually wear down over time.
Look for wear, discoloration, or changes in shape and thickness. You should also inspect the rivets and pads on disc systems to ensure they remain securely in place. The disc should also be visually inspected for wear or damage.
If you find excessive wear or damage, replace the brake pads or discs. To ensure efficient braking, a pad should never be thinner than 1.5 mm, and the disc should have a minimum thickness of 2.2 mm. Proper maintenance will help keep your brakes in good working order and help keep you safe when riding your motorcycle.
5. Coolant Level Monitoring
Monitoring your motorcycle coolant level is an integral part of regular motorcycle maintenance. Coolant helps the engine run efficiently, cools the engine, and keeps the engine from freezing during cold weather.
Checking the coolant is one of the motorcycle’s most important and easy-to-do maintenance items. Before each ride, check the level, and if necessary, top off the coolant with the manufacturer’s recommended type. If it’s been a while since you last checked, you may want to drain the coolant, flush the system, and start fresh with a new batch to ensure your engine is protected.
Also, check the hoses and radiator caps to ensure they’re in good condition and that there are no leaks. Regularly checking the coolant level of your motorcycle will help keep the engine running strong and your ride safe.
6. Battery Care
Check and regularly clean the terminals, cables, and connectors to keep your battery in good condition. It’s also essential to keep the electrolyte level at the correct mark, maintain the charge, and ensure the battery is properly secured.
You should also ensure that the vent caps are securely in place to avoid leakage. Furthermore, you should maintain a regular charging schedule and always opt for a battery charger rather than a jump starter to prevent excess wear on the battery. It’s also vital to get your battery tested as soon as any signs of malfunction arise.
7. Electrical Component Maintenance
Inspect the wiring for any wear and tear, such as fraying or loose connections. Ensure all electrical connections are clean and free of corrosion and debris. Check the battery for any signs of swelling or damage, and clean it regularly to prevent it from discharging.
Additionally, check the spark plugs for any signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary. Finally, inspect the headlights, brakes, and other lighting components for any signs of damage.
Ensure all electrical components function correctly and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and repair tasks. You can get skull bracelets for women to match your motorcycle’s aesthetics after maintenance.
Maintain Your Bike’s Condition With These Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
Motorcycle maintenance tips are critical for safe riding and long-term ownership. Doing a few basic checks, changing oils and lubricants, and regularly examining components for wear and tear can ensure your bike is safe and well-maintained for as long as you own it. Keep your ride running correctly by visiting your trusted mechanic for routine service and important motorcycle maintenance.
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