Routine Motorcycle Maintenance Tips You Need To Know
Also, check the thickness of your brake pads to make sure they are not worn out. The oil keeps the engine cool and lubricated, so check this fluid level during your motorcycle’s maintenance routine. Use a dipstick to confirm that there is enough oil and that it has the right texture and color. It doesn’t matter if your bike has the best bike in the world if it can’t stop properly.
If you do this, you’ll need to adjust the drive chain, charge oil, brake, and coolant levels, or replace brake pads, oil, and filters. If you’re like me, you had to change oil at the end of last season, but the cold undermined your motivation and you swapped your overalls for pajamas. My Dyna needs to be replaced in all three cases, so I’m looking for fresh engine oil and filter, primary fluid and transfluid for my first trip of the season. Even if you’re not in the recommended mileage range, it never hurts to do it a little earlier so you’re ready for the season.
Usually, the pads emit an audible metallic sound when they reach your last legs, and in the worst case, you’ll experience reduced braking performance or inconsistent or spasmodic braking action. On older motorcycles with drum brakes at the rear, you’ll also hear an audible metallic sound when your shoes reach the end of their life, or reduced braking performance is also a factor. One thing to keep in mind is that you need the right size of the brake shoe and pad for your motorcycle to install it in your system.
Then grease the connections and make sure everything is tight and dirt-free. If the battery is empty, charge it thoroughly for your next trip and check the voltage. However, remember that even with regular checkups, you’ll still need full service every 5,000 miles or six months (by someone who knows what you’re doing!) (check your manual for the exact time). Before you begin, take a moment to make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need some basic tools and maintenance items, such as oil, filters, spark plugs, and cleaning products.
You should also make it a habit to use a tire pressure gauge to check psi levels. This will tell you if you have enough traction and help you avoid blowouts due to low pressure. The user manual will give you information about the psi level, so follow that every time you check the pressure and adjust the levels as needed. Pads and shoes are the most important wear part of your motorcycle’s braking system, and there are signs that let you know when it’s time for a change.
Look for signs of damage such as cracks, holes and cracks and make sure the pressure and depth of the tread are within the recommended levels. As with the previous point about brake pads, keep in mind that environmental mobile mot mechanic near me conditions affect the life of your tires. Don’t let worn tires stay on your bike longer than necessary; change them as soon as possible. Next, you need to inspect the tread and find the wear indicator for your tires.
Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI level in your tires and inflate it if necessary. Ideally, you’ll want to do a fast one every month or every other week, especially if you’re putting high mileage on your bike. Even with new motorcycles, some parts may show signs of wear earlier than expected; In addition, things like engine oil, air filter, and oil filter may need to be replaced more often. While it may seem like a daunting task at first, engine maintenance is not rocket science.
Be sure to use the size and brand of the oil filter recommended by the owner’s or manufacturer’s manual and beware of the many fake oil filters available on the market. Normally, engine oil is changed between 1500 kilometers and 5000 kilometers or more, or from 2 months to 1 year, depending on the displacement, make and model of your motorcycle. Engines without oil filters require a shorter service interval, and well-designed lubrication systems can be more relaxed with service intervals. If your oil is running low, you may also need to charge for engine safety.
However, there are some general guidelines for the motorcycle maintenance program that you can use. If you have purchased a new motorcycle, all service intervals are indicated in the manual. If you bought a second-hand bike, find and download the maintenance manual for that specific make and model. Don’t forget to also ask the previous owner about the recent service.