How To Maintain Your Motorcycle

Motorcycle maintenance is an essential part of owning a bike. Read our simple tips on how to keep your bike in top condition. Tip 1: Tyres The most common bike break down is due to tyre damage. Ensure that your bike tyre pressure is correct.  If the tyres are under-inflated is can generate a lot of heat due to the friction, this can lead to a blow out! Also tires that are under more friction wear out more quickly and can affect bike handling. Check your tyres pressure once they are cooled down as pressure increases inside the tyre when it’s hot.  Use a pressure gauge to check whether your motorbike tyres are at the correct pressure. The label with the correct pressure for the bike is usually located on the read mud-guard or chain-guard. Also check the tires tread depth, if its less then 2mm you should replace the tyres. Tip 2: Brakes Make sure your breaks are checked routinely; ensuring your brakes are well maintained will improve the braking performance and will also save you cash in the long run. Individually check your bikes breaks.  The application of the rear pedal brake and front lever brake should be firm; they should also not reach its full travel when they are fully applied. The breaks should also free off when the pedal and lever are released, there should be no friction between the wheels and the break. You should also check your brake fluid. Motorbikes have two brake fluid tanks one located on the handlebars and the other at the back. Check the fluid levels and top up accordingly. Finally, check the actual thickness of the brake pads, allowing them to reach down to the metal will damage the brake disc and will result in a costly replacement. Replacing worn brake pads will dramatically increase your braking power by up to 50%! Tip 3: Engine Oil Motorbike engine oil main function is to act as a lubricant, it also dissipates heat, reduces engine noise and prevents rust and corrosion all of which is vital to the performance and lifespan of your engine. Make sure your oil level doesn’t drop below the minimum requirements. Before you check the level of oil in your engine keep the motorbike up right and level to the ground, this will allow the oil to stabilise. Most bikes have a viewing window; check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markings. If your bike has a dipstick, note exactly where the oil reaches and top up accordingly. If you are low on engine oil, then remove the oil filler cap from the crankcase and fill with the correct motorcycle oil.