Motorcycle Maintenance: What You Need To Know

Riding a motorcycle is one of the highlights of life. The sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and nothing but open road ahead of you. Nothing can compare to the freedom of the endless highway.

But owning a motorcycle is more than sunny days and gorgeous scenery. You also have to think about care and maintenance. And yet not every motorcycle owner understands how to maintain a bike.

Fortunately, you don't have to be a gear head to learn basic motorcycle maintenance. This article takes a look at a simple motorcycle maintenance schedule that anyone can use. Keep reading to learn more.

The Battery

First, remove the battery from your bike. Most batteries are located beneath the fuel tank or beneath the seat.

Place it on your workbench so that there's plenty of space to work. Batteries contain dangerous acid, so be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses during this routine maintenance. 

Now check the acid level. Keep in mind that the battery needs to be on a flat, level surface for this. When the battery level is low, you'll need to top it up with de-ionised water before charging. Just be careful not to overfill, or acid is likely to drain from the overflow pipe during your next ride.

When you place the battery back on the bike, it's a good idea to grease the terminals to prevent corrosion.

Top Off Your Coolant

The quickest way to make your bike run hot is to be low on coolant. That's why the coolant level needs to be checked prior to each ride.

The owner's manual will provide the location of the coolant tank on your bike. Smart riders also change their coolant regularly. This is a simple matter of locating the plug on the tank and letting it drain before refilling with clean coolant.

Tires 

Now let's take a look at your tires. After all, this is where the rubber meets the road and is essential for keeping you upright and safely between the white lines.

You need to make it a habit to check your tire pressure before each ride. Under-inflated tires will have a huge impact on handling and braking. And over-inflation will wear down the tread prematurely, which effects grip on the road.

Keep a tire gauge in your pocket so that it's always within reach. That way anytime you stop for gas or to stretch your legs, you can take two minutes to check tire pressure before heading on down the highway.

Chain Tension

Improper chain tension can cause a number of motorcycle performance issues. First, it can make shifting gears rough, as well as result in premature gearbox and sprocket wear.

Check your manual for the manufacturer's recommended tension. And keep in mind that someone needs to be sitting on the bike when you set the tension, because the chain will tighten with a rider onboard, and will relax when the rider climbs off. 

Change the Oil and Oil Filter

As with your car, changing the oil and oil filter on your bike on a regular basis is vital for keeping your engine running smoothly and extending its life on the road.

Be sure to refer to your manual for the recommended oil type, and go ahead and replace your filter at the same time. 

This is a relatively easy task. But if you don't feel comfortable completing it yourself, don't hesitate to take it to a pro to insure the job gets done right.

Brakes

It's hard to overstate the importance of well-maintained brakes. Because unless you don't mind going for a sudden swim in a lake or saying hello to the rear-end of the car in front of you, you'd better make sure your brakes are in excellent condition.

Replacing your brake pads is a relatively straightforward task. The key is to make sure you buy the right pads, have a few tools, and a clean space to work. The pistons and calipers on the brake assembly can be challenging to deal with, so you might want to have a partner assist with the labor.

Just be sure to take your time, and to always test the new pads in the driveway and around the neighborhood before getting your bike up to speed on the open road.

Changing Spark Plugs

Making sure that your plugs are in good shape isn't a life or death issue, but when plugs begin to wear out, you'll notice a difference in the way your bike runs.

You don't need to change them regularly, but it's a good idea to check your manual to see the recommended mileage for new plugs.

Keep in mind that each manufacturer tends to use a different type of plugs, so always refer to the manual for the exact code number intended for your bike.

Grease

Applying grease is another maintenance task that's relatively quick and easy to get out of the way, and helps keep your bike in top form.

You'll need a grease gun, and will need to locate every area that requires periodic lubrication. Again, you can refer to your manual for the specifics for your bike.

Keep It Clean

This is the simplest part of good motorcycle upkeep, and yet it's equally as important. Keep in mind that dirt and grit can cause wires to fray and scratch your paint. It's also hard on joints and hinges, and can clog filters.

Washing your bike on a regular basis also keeps it looking great, and will help prevent rust. After all, part of motorcycle ownership is taking the time to keep your ride looking as awesome as possible.

Important Tips for DIY Motorcycle Maintenance

You love your bike. That's why you need to take care of it. Proper motorcycle maintenance doesn't have to be complicated, and yet it's crucial for keeping your bike looking and running great. The tips contained in this article can help make sure that you and your bike have many more amazing adventures together.

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