Regular maintenance on your motorcycle will save you money, keep you safe and leave your motorcycle looking new. The maintenance requirement for each motorcycle depends on its type, and you can get the right information in the manual.
The owner’s manual can give you specific information on locating and changing certain parts like the filters and plugs, when to change these parts, tightening bolts and nuts, and the right amount and type of fluid to use to keep the motorcycle functioning properly.
However, these essential tips will aid in the maintenance of your motorcycle.
1. Change the Oil
Your motorcycle’s engine requires a frequent change of oil, usually after several thousand miles, to keep it functioning properly. Before you start riding the motorcycle, ensure you warm it up for about five minutes to reduce the oil’s viscosity and allow it to drain easily.
Before changing the oil, ensure the engine is off, with the bike standing upright. Remove the bike’s drain plug and the oil fill plug to allow the oil to flow into the drain pan. Some bikes may require removing some fairing to access the drain plug. You also need to remove the oil filter.
Changing your motorcycle’s oil can become messy, so use aluminum foil to cover the exhaust section and engine. After the oil drains, install the new filter, replace all the parts in the right position, and refill the oil with a funnel using the oil recommended in the owner’s manual. Finally, replace the oil fill cap. You can recycle the oil your removed at a local bike shop.
2. Replace the Air Filter
The air filter in your bike prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. If the air filter is dirty and clogged, the bike’s performance will be reduced. Changing the air filter isn’t a difficult task but may be time-consuming.
In some bikes, the air filter is easy to locate, but you need to remove the gas tank and some other parts in others. When you access the airbox, remove the air filter, replace it with a new one, and replace all the removed parts.
3. Change the Coolant
A motorcycle’s coolant prevents the engine from getting corroded, freezing, or overheating. You need to remove some bodywork to reach the coolant drain bolt. When you have access to the coolant bolt, place a drain pan under the bike’s engine and remove the bolt. Remove the cap of the radiator to ensure proper draining.
Afterward, reinstall the drain bolt, then refill the system with the right amount of coolant using a funnel. Place the radiator cap back and fit all the bodywork you removed. Start your bike and allow it to warm up for a couple of minutes.
After the engine cools, remove the radiator’s cap and check the coolant’s level. If the coolant isn’t sufficient, add more, but check the recommended amount of coolant required in the owner’s manual.
4. Keep the Chain Clean
The modern chains are O-ring chains that need less cleaning than unsealed ones. Ensure you clean the chain whenever it gets dirty. When cleaning the chain, elevate the bike’s back wheel and put the transmission in neutral to give the chain easy movement.
Using a soft-bristled brush, remove the dirt from the chain, then lubricate it with a specially formulated lube while rotating the back wheel. Allow the chain to rest for five minutes before wiping off the excess lube.