Regular maintenance schedule
One of the best ways to make sure your motorcycle stays in tip-top shape is to maintain a regular maintenance schedule. This will help you remember to perform important checks and adjustments, like checking the tire pressure and oil level. It will also allow you to catch potential issues before they can become major problems. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most important maintenance checks you should perform:
- Change the oil every 500 miles or twice per season. It’s recommended to have the oil changed at a dealership, as it’s important to use the correct oil for your vehicle. Changing the oil will help keep the engine protected from wear and tear.
- Change the spark plug every 15,000 miles or once per season. Replacing the spark plug will help protect your engine from overheating.
- Change the air filter every 15,000 miles or once per season. This will help protect your engine from dirt and debris.
- Check the tire pressure monthly. Make sure to check both tires, as tires should be checked for pressure at the same time.
- Check the chain once per season to see if it needs to be lubricated. This can be done by using a chain gauge or a ruler. If the chain is past its prime, it should be replaced.
- Check the brake pad surface once per year. If the pad is less than 1/16 inch, it will need to be replaced.
Checking engine oil
One of the most important maintenance tips and tricks is regularly checking the engine oil. Oil is one of the most vital parts of your engine and keeping the oil level topped off will help protect your engine and extend its lifespan. You’ll want to check the oil level before every ride, as you don’t want to ride with an under-filled engine. Here’s how to check the engine oil:
- Make sure the motorcycle is parked on a level surface. An uneven surface can cause the oil level to be inaccurate.
- Remove the oil cap from the engine, making sure to use a clean rag. This will allow you to see the level of the oil.
- Add more oil if the level is lower than the “Full” mark. Be sure to use the correct oil for your engine.
- Replace the cap and make sure it’s secured tightly.
Checking and changing the spark plug
The spark plug is one of the most important parts of your engine. It ignites the fuel and creates the spark that activates the engine. Because it’s such an important part, it’s essential to routinely check the spark plug and replace it if necessary. Here’s how to check and change the spark plug:
- Make sure the motorcycle is parked on a level surface. An uneven surface can cause the spark plug to be misaligned.
- Remove the spark plug using either a spark plug wrench or a socket wrench. Be sure to use an appropriate socket for the plug.
- Check the spark plug for wear and tear. If the plug has worn away, it needs to be replaced.
- Install the new plug by hand. Be sure to use the correct plug for your engine.
Checking and replacing the brake pads
The brakes on your motorcycle are incredibly important, so it’s important to check and replace the pads when necessary. You should check the pads for wear and tear once per year. If the pads are less than 1/16 inch, they will need to be replaced. Here’s how to check and replace the brake pads:
- Make sure the motorcycle is parked on a level surface. An uneven surface can cause the brake pads to be misaligned.
- Remove the brake pads using a crescent wrench. Be sure to use an appropriate socket for the pads.
- Check the pads for wear and tear. If the pads have worn away, they will need to be replaced.
- Install the new pads by hand. Be sure to use the correct pads for your motorcycle.
Checking tire pressure
It’s important to check your tire pressure monthly. This will help you catch any potential issues before they become more serious. You can also use it to your advantage and help extend the life of your tires. Be sure to check the pressure for both tires. Here’s how to check the tire pressure:
- Use a tire gauge to check the pressure for each tire. Be sure to inflate the tires to the appropriate PSI recommended for your vehicle.
- If the tire pressure is too low, you can buy a tire inflator at a local gas station or auto shop.
Cleaning and lubricating the chain
Keeping the chain well-oiled will help prevent rust and protect against wear. It’s recommended to clean and lubricate the chain each season. Here’s how to clean and lubricate the chain:
- Use a chain cleaning tool to spray the chain with a degreaser. This will help remove dirt and grime from the chain.
- Once the chain is clean, use a chain lubricant to apply a silicon coat. This will protect the chain from rust and wear.
- Let the chain dry before riding.
Keeping the fuel tank full
Keeping your fuel tank full is one of the best ways to protect the longevity of your engine. It helps keep the engine clean and reduces the amount of wear and tear. Some engines recommend using a certain octane level. If you’re not sure what type of octane level is recommended, check your owner’s manual. Here’s how to keep your fuel tank full:
- If you’re riding in an area with limited access to gas stations, it’s recommended to keep a full tank at all times. This will help ensure you have enough fuel to get to the next station.
- If you don’t plan on riding for an extended period of time, it’s recommended to turn the fuel off at the valve. This will help keep the tank full and protect the engine from rust and wear.
