Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled rider, maintaining your bike is one of the most important factors of safe riding. Although you may not think motorcycles require much care, you should do everything you can to keep yours running smoothly and shining on the road. While you can take it to a bike shop for routine upkeep, you should know how to ensure proper motorcycle maintenance.
Change the Oil
Just like your car, motorcycles need an oil change after several thousand miles. The exact frequency depends on your specific bike and the oil you use. However, you can check the owner’s manual for special instructions on changing the oil. Although you can take it to a professional, changing the oil isn’t too complicated to do yourself. Follow these steps to change your motorcycle’s oil properly:
- Ride your bike for a few minutes to warm the engine. Warm oil is less viscous and drains much easier.
- Park it upright and turn off the engine. Remove the oil fill and drain plugs and let the dirty oil drain into an oil pan.
- Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one. Put back the oil drain plug, and use a funnel to pour clean oil to the proper level. Replace the oil fill cap.
Check Tire Pressure and Tread Wear
Tires are some of the most important parts of any vehicle, and you should glance at them quickly every time you ride. If your tires are worn down or short on air, they can make your entire motorcycle unsafe to ride. With that in mind, you should regularly check your tire pressure and inspect the tread. If you’re unsure about your tires’ safety, you should always remember that it’s much cheaper to purchase new tires than repair your bike after tire failure.
Keep It Clean
Riding the open roads is the best part about owning a motorcycle, but you must keep it clean to look good on the road. Although you should give it a light cleaning after a few trips, you should deep clean your bike a few times each year. Knowing how to clean parts of a motorcycle can help keep your bike pristine for years to come.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter is what keeps unnecessary debris out of your bike’s engine. In fact, a clogged, dirty air filter can drastically decrease performance levels. Unfortunately, not cleaning or replacing this filter causes the engine to work harder and slows your bike down. Consider checking the air filter every few months to ensure it’s not causing issues. Although you can replace it whenever it gets dirty, you can clean the current with compressed air.
After learning how to ensure proper motorcycle maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your bike in excellent condition and extend its lifespan. Just as you shouldn’t neglect your car’s basic care, you should maintain your bike well.
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