Basic Motorcycle Maintenance

Whether you use your motorcycle as your primary mode of transportation or just take it for weekend rides, it’s a good idea to develop a basic motorcycle maintenance program. You want your bike to run at its highest performance for many years to come, and the last thing you want is to be out on a mountain road or on your way to work and deal with a breakdown that could have been avoided.

Develop your motorcycle maintenance program. The first step is to become familiar with your bike’s owner’s manual, which will tell you when maintenance is required.

It’s always a good idea to keep a notebook with dates and maintenance completed and to input all new changes.

Some basic motorcycle maintenance tips to follow:

• Tires. This is important as too many owners don’t take the time to check tire pressure and look for unusual wear patterns. After all, these wheels get you where you want to go.

• Lights and Signals. Check all the lights on your bike, including the headlight, brake lights, and high and low beams, regularly. Ensure that your signals are also in good working order.

• Oil. Check the oil level weekly and top it off when necessary. This is the best way to keep your motorcycle performing at peak levels.

• Fuel, air, and oil filters. Check each filter regularly to keep your ride at its best. Your owner’s manual will keep you updated.

• Chain. Lubricate the chain frequently, mainly if your motorcycle is driven daily. Dryness leads to brittleness, which leads to problems when you least expect them.

• Brakes. Check your brake fluid level and brake pad thickness. Always change out the fluid according to your motorcycle manual.

• Battery. Always opt for a sealed, maintenance-free battery. To keep your battery at its best, use a trickle charger when it is not in use.

There you have it—all you need to know for essential motorcycle maintenance.

These are the most essential tips for riding your motorcycle. Especially if you are planning a long trip or will be using your bike for vacation, just like you would with a vehicle, you want to be sure to go through your basic motorcycle maintenance to ensure you won’t run into any unforeseen problems when you’re out there enjoying the wind and the road and your life behind bars.