Just like other vehicles, motorcycles need maintenance too. In order for bike to perform well, you will have to make sure that you take care of it. Maintaining your motorcycle will pay off in the long run as it will keep other things on the bike from breaking or getting damaged. If you are a motorcycle rider, it is really important to know how to maintain a motorcycle.
How-to Maintain a Motorcycle: Routine Maintenance
Oil
Oil changes are a crucial to keeping your bike running well. When thinking about how to maintain a motorcycle, Before changing your oil, make sure that you are using the correct type of oil for your motorcycle. Depending on type of motorcycle you have, as well as how often you ride it, the frequency you have to change the oil will vary. Motorcycles that use mineral-based oil should be changed at least every 2,000 miles (or at least twice a year). Semi-synthetic oil should be changed out every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. The type of oil that you change the least often is fully synthetic oil. You should change this every 7,000 – 10,000 miles.
Tires
Another important part of trying to maintain your motorcycle is keeping your tires in good condition. That includes checking treads as well as tire pressure. When your tire treads start to wear out, your tire will not have good traction on the road. This could easily cause an accident. Tire pressure plays a role in this too, because when a tire has lower pressure, more of the tire touches the road. This can increase friction and cause the tire to pop.
Air Filter
Air filters are another thing you will change when wanting to maintain your motorcycle. This step will definitely improve your bike’s performance. Since the air filter keeps dirt and debris out of the engine, changing the filter will keep your engine running well. Your throttle will be less responsive if your air filter clogs up.
Chain
You will want to keep your motorcycle chain clean for better performance. Check your owner’s manual to see how often they recommend for you to clean your chain. This will vary based on the type of bike you have. First, clean all the grit and grime that might have piled up in the chain. You will need a gentle bristle brush that will not damage the chain, but can also get rid of the heavier dirt too.
Next, you will need to lubricate the chain. Use chain lube to create a coat over the chain. After five minutes, you will want to wipe the chain off with a paper towel. This is a step you won’t want to miss when you are wanting to maintain your motorcycle.