As a motorcycle enthusiast, I can understand – nothing can match the feeling of hitting the open road and the wind rushing past you.
And obviously, regular maintenance is necessary to keep our motorcycle running at its best and ensure it lasts for years to come.
Are you, too, a proud motorcycle owner? Let us walk you through some of the key maintenance tasks you should perform on your motorcycle for its best performance and longevity.
General regular maintenance
Regular general maintenance ensures the smooth running of your motorcycle. These tasks include oil checks and changes, checking and replacing filters, and inspecting brakes from time to time.
Changing the oil is one of the simplest and most important tasks that tops the maintenance list. Automobile experts recommend changing your oil every 3000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first. To change the oil, drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil. And remember to use the right type of oil for your motorcycle.
Filters are another important part of your motorcycle engine. Generally, two types of filters come with a motorcycle – an air filter and an oil filter. Clean them regularly if they are dirty and consider replace in case of damage.
Last but not the list in general regular maintenance list is your brakes. Brakes are your motorcycle’s most important safety features, and one shouldn’t ignore them if they see any sign of problems. Ofter, you’ll need to replace brake pads, but it’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a motorcycle mechanic at least once a year.
Tires and wheels
A regular check of tire pressure and adjustment according to need ensures safe handling. You should also inspect tires for any signs of damage or wear. When the tires are old, they lose tread depth, which reduces the friction between the tire and the road, which leads to slips and can cause major accidents when running at high speed.
Apart from that, do consider cleaning your wheels. Dirt and debris accumulated on the wheel and damaged it over time. Use a soft brush or cloth with wheel cleaner and clean gently for wheels.
Chain and drivetrain
The chain and drivetrain in a motorcycle transfer the power from the engine to the wheels; hence need to keep them in good working order. How to maintain them? – you might ask.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain are necessary regularly to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation. Also, keep an eye on sprockets, and consider their replacement if they’re worn.
To clean and lubricate your chain, start by cleaning the chain with chain cleaner. Chain cleaners are brushes with three side bristles. Next, apply chain lube and wipe off any excess.
Electrical system
Next comes the motorcycle’s electrical system; it is responsible for powering the lights, horn, and other automated features. In case of any problem related to the electrical system, the first thing you should check is the battery.
Typically the life of a battery is around three to five years, but it also depends on how you store and care for your motorcycle. If the time comes to change the battery, consider lithium batteries, as they have the longest lifespan (more than five years). Many companies in the market manufacture the best lithium motorcycle batteries.
Storage and winterization
If you live in cold regions, you just need to protect your motorcycle from damage caused by cold. Proper storage and winterization can help prevent problems like rust and corrosion and ensure your motorcycle is ready to go when you’re ready to ride again.
You should add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Fuel stabilizer keeps the fuel fresh for an easy start after storage. Also, remember that oil tends to gel or coagulate at lower temperatures and may cause problems in the engine; therefore, run the engine regularly for 30 seconds. You can also use synthetic oil to prevent such issues.
Conclusion
For optimal performance and longevity of your motorcycle, regular maintenance is essential. By following a simple maintenance schedule that includes oil check and change, brakes inspections, and chain cleaning, you can keep your motorcycle running smoothly and avoid any costly repairs down the road.
