Around eight million Americans hold a motorcycle license which shows we’re passionate about biking.
Motorcycles let you discover new parts of the country and meet like-minded people. The key is to prioritize motorcycle maintenance as it extends your bike’s lifespan and keeps it running smoothly. Perhaps you’re not confident flexing your motorcycle maintenance skills and you’re looking for inspiration.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top maintenance tips.
Regularly Change Your Oil
Regardless of whether your motorcycle is a mix of Yamaha OEM Parts or a Harley-Davidson, make sure you regularly change your oil.
As a general rule, change your oil at least once a year. It’s important to note that if you ride along dusty terrain then change your oil frequently as the dirt compromises its quality.
Test Your Brakes
One of the top motorcycle maintenance tips is testing your brakes. Check them before each ride, including the brake fluid level which should be replaced every year.
And don’t forget to check the thickness of your brake pads because worn-down ones are useless. Note, if you can see metal then replace them.
Replace the Air Filter
Instead of Googling “motorcycle maintenance near me”, familiarize yourself with the air filter. If these are clogged then it reduces the performance of your motorcycle and increases the chance of a malfunction.
To clean it effectively, remove the filter and wash it in kerosene. Then, cover it in a light coating of engine oil before replacing it.
Keep a Clean Chain
Our guide to motorcycle maintenance wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the chain. First, elevate the rear wheel and use a gentle bristle to remove any grime. You should also lubricate the chain by applying a motorcycle chain lubricant.
Check Your Battery
If you’re not sure how to maintain a motorcycle, ask a professional to check your battery. Check that the connections are securely fastened and there isn’t any dirt.
Luckily, most modern motorcycle batteries run smooth and need little maintenance.
Test the Lights and Tires
Looking for motorcycle maintenance advice? Then, check your lights are working before riding at night. To test this, start the ignition and turn on the switches so each light turns.
Further, test that the tires have enough air with a pressure gauge. You should also check that there’s sufficient tread on each tire to provide optimal grip, crucial in the wetter months.
For those who are unsure how to check the tread, then look for the rubber knob that sits in the tire’s grooves. If it’s worn down, then you need new tires.
Use Our Motorcycle Maintenance Tips Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re ready to try these motorcycle maintenance tips.
Make sure you regularly change your motorcycle’s oil, test the brakes, and check your battery. You should also replace the air filter and test the lights before each ride. Good luck!
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