Even if you don’t have a mechanical mindset, knowing how to maintain your bike gives you peace of mind and can potentially save you a lot of service costs. Even if you know how your bike works and how you can do basic maintenance on the bike yourself, you will gain more confidence as a new rider. The drive chain transfers the power from your engine to your rear wheel. It is good practice to lubricate the chain after each ride while it is still warm. If you want to keep your bike in good shape and stay safe on the road, you should make it a habit to perform regular engine maintenance. Be sure to follow all of the tips above if you want to keep your motorcycle well and make sure it works properly at all times.
Adhering to the guidelines in the owner’s manual is the best way to ensure that you take care of your bike as often as necessary. Taking care of a motorcycle is excellent because of its overall health and performanceThe first step to engine maintenance is regular oil changes. To maintain engine performance, the oil must be changed regularly. You should change the motorcycle’s engine oil after every 5,000 to 1,000 km, but refer to the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the exact number. The coolant of the motorcycle should be changed every 3-4 times the engine oil is changed, or every 1-2 years, depending on driving habits.
The system consists of main brakes, brake lines, calipers or shoes and rotors or brake drums. The consumables, on the other hand, include brake fluid, brake pads or shoes and even the brake discs. Your motorcycle’s electronic fuel injection system is responsible for optimally delivering fuel to your engine using computers and electronic components. Regular maintenance of the EFI system includes cleaning the fuel injector and replacing the fuel filter. Over time, fuel particles can accumulate in the fuel filter and injector nozzle, reducing fuel performance.
Often the rear wheel wears out faster than the front wheel. The user manual tells you the correct tire pressure for your bike. An annual mechanical check usually includes an oil change and for many cyclists this takes care of all your needs. Check the owner’s manual carefully, especially if you have a new bike.
Check the chain alignment with an alignment tool (don’t just rely on hatch markings on shaft or swingarm blocks, if you have one) and measure the tension by a meter. Your manual provides specifications for tension and wear, so you can measure whether the chain needs to be replaced. mobile mot mechanic near me Check your bicycle tires regularly for good engine maintenanceMobile maintenance is incomplete without tire maintenance. Before you go on a long trip, take a good look at your tires and check for damage. If your bicycle tire has holes or cracks, you need to replace them.
A simple visual inspection can also be performed to determine if a motorcycle’s air filter needs to be replaced. The air filter is usually located under the seat and in the intake air box. Remove the screws or bolts from the air box to access the air filter. In general, driving in dirty environments with a significant amount of air particles will more often require air filter replacements. This is why dirt bikes, dual-sport motorcycles and adventure bikes tend to have a shorter maintenance interval compared to street bikes.
Starting with some basics, you can gradually develop your skills as you move forward. You can move from simple oil changes to more complex tasks or bike modifications, especially if you own an older model. Test your brakes before each ride to make sure they’re in good condition. For your brakes to perform optimally, the brake fluid must be replaced for a year or two, depending on the instructions in your manual. It is recommended to replace them before they wear to the metal. Every two years or as prescribed by the owner’s manual, you should change your brake fluid.
Check other fluids, such as brake fluid and fluid cooling system. While you’re at it, go ahead and replace the air and fuel filters if you haven’t already. Another maintenance tip for motorcycles is to check the brake pads. If you find corrosion or other abnormally rough textures, it may be time to replace the brake pads. Any vibration, shaking or grinding during braking can also mean it’s time for a replacement. To adjust the alignment of the rear wheels, you can decide that this is done by a reputable service center, or at home if you have the right tools.
Speaking of time, you want to take into account the age of the oil and the mileage. It’s important to note that a lower mileage often equals many short trips, which means a lot of heat cycles to invite moisture condensation, and that’s what actually breaks down the oil. So also take into account the type of driving when you decide when you want to change your oil. When turning the rear wheel, pay attention to the drive chain or belt. If everything looks good, clean your chain with solvent and brush and then lubricate.
Conversely, a rural area without much smog can allow you to significantly distribute your filter cleanings. Regardless of the environment around you, remember to take regular care of your air filter. On street and sports bikes, air filters last more than 5,000 km and longer before they need to be cleaned or replaced. On cross bikes, or in case you travel in dusty and sandy conditions, your air filter may need to be cleaned more regularly (from monthly to biweekly).