Taking care of your machine is not just making it look shiny while it is parked or on the road. For proper bike care, there’s a lot more that goes into maintaining a motorcycle and it is something that can’t be mastered overnight. Some of it you learn from expert fellow riders while other elements are self-learned during the span of the ownership of the machine.
Here are some essential bike maintenance tips and tricks that will help you keep your machine as good as new: -
Regular Inspection
Regularly inspecting your motorcycle isn’t rocket science. Begin with a basic walkaround to stay aware of the wear and tear of any specific part. The fundamental two-wheeler maintenance tip is to “spot anything unfamiliar” and identify issues that need attention. Remember, any major mechanical concern starts with smaller issues.
Follow the Periodic Servicing Schedule
Do ensure that you follow the prescribed service intervals mentioned in the user manual of your machine. Primarily, it includes: -
• Engine oil change
• Air filter change/clean
• Oil filter change/clean
• Chain lube and clean
• Replacement of parts if needed (cable, harness, bolts, switches etc)
• Brake oil bleed (if needed)
• Wheel balancing and alignment (if needed)
• Check for kickstand pivots, swingarm and suspension linkages
Tire and Wheel Care
Tires and wheels are something that cannot be overlooked as they determine actual ride and handling, fuel efficiency and safety of the rider. Do check the tyre wear indicator that is marked between the tread of every tire for proper bike care.
If you have noticed any unusual handling issue or any uncertain wear on any side of tire, it’s time to get wheel alignment and balancing done. A properly aligned wheel extends the life of your tire, and might save you from any accident from misbalance of the vehicle.
Battery Check
Batteries these days are technologically advanced and have a longer lifespan. However, it does not imply that they should be treated in a care-free manner. For starters, the battery terminals need a regular cleanup in order to avert carbon accumulation which not only hampers the battery health but also leads to loss of current.
Also, do ensure you give your motorcycle a cold start if it has been stored for too long. It certainly needs to gain back the charge it lost sitting idle.
Brake Maintenance
You can check your brake pads with the tires on the ground; it is suggested to put your vehicle on the middle stand for better visibility. Have a visual of the brake pad thickness to know how much life it has left.
Do check the rotors, cables as well as the brake fluid tank. If it falls to “Low”, make sure you get it drained and top it up with fresh oil. Also, have a look at the brake lines for any sign of wear and tear.
Check For Filter Health
There are multiple filters in any motorcycle, one might be cleaning the oil, and the other might be filtering the air heading into the engine. For the oil filter, get is replaced as per the service guide.
Air filter check is also crucial. It can be either cleaned at gradual intervals or replaced if its condition is not fit for use. Just like engine oil, it is also a crucial component that requires care. In fact, these two components majorly contribute to the ride quality of the bike, and is a crucial bike maintenance tip to ensure longevity of your vehicle.
A fresh air filter and a clean oil filter are two core components that contribute to the long-term health of the engine.
Double check the coolant and all the oil levels, run back to anything that caught your attention during inspection, and avoid washing your bike with water frequently, instead consider dry clean up with a soft cloth regularly.
And last but not least, make it a point to warm up your engine, before heading for a ride.
Also Read:
Here's What You Should Know about Brake Fluid in Two-Wheelers
Most Common Causes of Brake Failures in ABS Bikes
Choosing the Best Engine Oil for Motorcycles: Dos & Don'ts for a Smooth Ride