Five Tips For Maintaining Motorcycles At Home

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

These basic measures not only greatly enhance the life of this type of vehicle, but also help you save money on expensive repairs and keep you safe, which is the most important thing.

Things like checking the oil once a month or the tread on a tire or improving the condition of the chain by cleaning and lubricating it are just some of the tasks you can easily perform.

Simple inspections to keep a motorcycle in top shape

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

You probably need an experienced mechanic to help you with any problems. However, cleaning some parts, checking others, and replacing certain fluids are easier tasks that you can personally take care of. Just follow the tips below.

Perform a general tire inspection

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

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

Also, try to check the pressure every month. You will need a barometer for this purpose – this is a device connected to the tire valve that marks its level.

Note that you must do this when the tire is cold. That is, after the tires have been out of use for at least three hours. The specific pressure levels are usually in the manufacturer’s manual. Remember that anything higher or below average is bad news.

2. Check the oil as part of motorcycle maintenance

You should do this at least once a month, but more often in the summer. This is because the heat can make it thicker.

Thus, 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. If you only use it once in a while, check it in the same way before using the motorcycle.

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

Note that some motorcycles do not have a glass, but have a dipstick in the hood. You must first wipe it clean and then place it in to soak up the oil. The indicator must be between the maximum and minimum levels.

Add more oil if the level is low, and always check the type of oil that your model requires. This makes it possible to detect possible leaks and look at the color of the liquid. It should look like 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, raise the rear wheel and set the gear in neutral to make it easier to move the chain. Then clean dirt and dust with a soft brush along the entire chain and then lubricate it with specialized lubricant.

The amount of lubricant should be as uniform as possible along the chain, so try not to use too much. Also wear gloves to prevent skin contact.

Let it rest for a few minutes when you are done, then evaluate the tension in the chain. Is it too stretched or worn? Then it’s time to change it. You should check the voltage approximately every 1000 kilometers.

4. Test light, 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 intervention must be performed by a person with electrical knowledge in case of breakdown as it requires manipulation of cables.

The same applies to the battery, especially if the motorcycle has been out of use for an extended period of time. It may only need to be charged, depending on how old it is. However, maintenance also involves replacement of the internal fluid or a total replacement sometimes.

5. Disinfection of the filters is an important part of maintaining motorcycles

It is important to change the oil and its filter every 3000 kilometers. However, you can clean the air filter more often. It keeps the engine free of impurities by trapping the particles and dirt from the environment that can clog it.

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

Maintenance of motorcycles is important to keep them in top shape

Each of these checks requires a suitable space, whether it is a patio or a garage. Mainly remember that it is dirty work, so keep your cleaning products nearby. The amount and type of repairs depends on the type of vehicle, but these tips for maintaining motorcycles can improve their performance and durability.