All motorcycle owners should understand that in order to ensure your bike remains in to condition you need to keep up its basic maintenance and protect if from the elements either with a motorbike covers or in a garage. This will not only allow you to enjoy your ride for many years it will also help maintain its value and keep you safe while riding.
For best results follow the motorcycles manufactures manual and do regular servicing.
Some top tips to help you maintain your motorcycle:
· Oil
Under normal conditions the engine oil in a motorcycle needs to be change after 12 months, but if you do a high mileage or drive in dusty conditions it should be changed more often. Your owner’s manual will advise you on the correct type of oils and the oil change times. Check you oil at least weekly and before you make a long trip, keep it filled up to the high level on the dipstick
· Drive Chain
A motorcycle drive chain transfers your bikes engine power to the rear wheel, Keeping the proper tension will prolong the working life of the chain and sprockets. The chain should be kept well lubricated with the recommended chain oil, applied once a week while the chain is still warm after riding so it penetrates to all areas
· Tyres
If you maintain the recommended tyre pressure your tyres will last longer and your bike will handle well in all conditions as well as reduce the chances of a blowout while providing the best fuel economy. Inspect they tyres for tread depth and defects regularly
· Brakes
Check your brake fluid level once a week and change it every one to two years. Check you brakes before you ride off and occasionally as you ride to ensure they are working properly. The brake pads should be checked when you take your bike for its yearly service check up. You can check the owner’s manual to find the minimum thickness so you can inspect them yourself if required
· Motorcycle cover
Use a good quality motorcycle cover to protect your bike if you keep it outside or a dust cover if you garage it.
· Air filter
The air filter should be cleaned using compressed air on a regular basis; this will provide more power and better fuel economy. Replace your filter if it’s old or difficult to clean properly
· Fuel
Always use the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer and inspect or clean the fuel filter regularly. The fuel lines on a motorbike are exposed so need to be inspected regularly for damage and sign of cracking in which case they need to be replaced
· Battery
The battery of you motor bike should be kept full charged so if you don’t ride regularly to it up with a charger. Keep the battery water at the correct level by topping up with distilled water.
If you look after you motorcycle and keep it under a weather proof motorbike cover as well as maintain it properly it will last you for many years and keep its resale value much better. A bike needs to be ridden and service regularly to keep it in the best possible condition
