Five Tips For Maintaining Motorcycles At Home

Maintenance of motorcycles is important, as motorcycles are an increasingly popular means of transport. Whether your motorcycle is for sports or just to get from point A to point B, today’s article will give you a number of steps to keep it in top shape at home.

These basic measures not only increase the life of this type of vehicle, but also help you save money on costly repairs and, most importantly, keep you safe. Things like checking the oil once a month or the pattern on a tire or improving the condition of the chain by cleaning and lubricating it, are just some of the tasks you can easily do yourself.

Simple inspections to keep a motorcycle in top shape

Getting a motorcycle to last longer and stay in good condition is something any user can do. All you need is a set of basic tools, the right clothes when you get a little dirty, a container for waste oil and a place to work.

You will probably need an experienced mechanic to help you with any performance issues. However, cleaning some parts, checking others and changing certain fluids are simpler tasks you can do personally. Just follow the tips below.

Perform a general tire inspection

There are several things to keep in mind when checking tires. To begin, look for cracks or fractures.

You can only look for cracks, cuts or particles that, no matter how small, can cause tire wear. Another important task is to evaluate the condition and depth of the tread. Is it flat and turned? Then it is best to replace it immediately.

In addition, you can try to check the pressure every month. You need a barometer to do this – it is a device that you connect to the tire valve that shows the air pressure.

Note that you must do this when the tire is cold. This is after the tires have been immobile for at least three hours. The specific pressure levels are usually in the manufacturer’s manual. Remember that anything higher or lower than what is recommended is bad news.

2. Check the oil level as a good motorcycle maintenance measure

You need to do this at least once a month, but more often in the summer. This is because the heat can thicken it.

Therefore, you may want to check it every week if you live in extreme weather conditions. It also depends on how often you use the motorcycle. Check it weekly if you use it regularly. Similarly, you can check it before using it if you only use it once in a while.

To do this, place the bike on a flat surface and turn it on for a few minutes so that the liquid heats up. Then turn it off and check the oil level in the sight glass on the right side of the engine.

Note that some motorcycles do not have a glass, but have a dipstick in the top. You must first dry it clean and then put it back to let it get oil on again. The indicator must be between the maximum and minimum levels.

Add more oil if the level is low, and always check what type of oil the model requires. This makes it possible to detect possible leaks and look at the color of the liquid. It should be similar to the one in the bottle. You have a problem that requires a professional if the fluid is dark.

3. Cleaning and lubrication of the chain

The chain is a basic part of a motorcycle, so clean it from time to time.

To do this, lift the rear wheel and set the gear in neutral to make it easier to move it. Then clean any debris and dust with a soft brush over the entire length and then lubricate it with a specialized lubricant.

The amount of lubricant must be as even as possible around the entire chain, so try not to apply too much. In addition, you should wear gloves to prevent direct contact with the lubricant.

Let it rest for a few minutes when you are done, and then evaluate the tension in the chain. Is it too stretched or worn? It’s time to change that then. You need to check the voltage about every 600 miles.

4. Test the lights, horn and battery

These are basic mechanisms, but just as important as any other, so it does not hurt to check them periodically to avoid fines and prevent accidents.

This type of operation must be performed by a person with electrical knowledge in the event of a short circuit, as it requires tampering with wires.

The same applies to the battery, especially if the motorcycle has been standing for a long period of time. It may just need to be recharged, depending on how old it is. However, maintenance also involves changing the internal fluid or a total replacement sometimes.

5. Disinfection of the filters is an important part of motorcycle maintenance

It is important to change the oil and filter every six thousand miles. However, you can clean the air filter more often. This is because it keeps the engine free of impurities by trapping particles and dirt from the air that can clog it.

The air filter may be more or less accessible depending on the vehicle type. It is lighter when placed on the side or under the fuel tank. The next thing to do is check what type it is.

Motorcycle maintenance is important to keep it in top shape

Each of these controls requires appropriate space, whether it is a garden or a garage. First of all, remember that it is dirty work, so have cleaning products nearby. The amount and type of repairs depends on the type of vehicle, but these tips for maintaining a motorcycle at home can improve performance and durability.