For a motorcycle rider, his bike is his most important possession, so to keep the motorcycle running properly you need to maintain it. Preventative maintenance for motorcycles is often considerably easier than for vehicles. Motorcycles are simpler to repair since they are smaller, have fewer parts, and are simpler to reach. There are certain things you must keep in mind when performing maintenance on your motorcycle, those steps are discussed below:
important things to perform while maintenance of a motorcycle?
01. Battery and Fuse
Battery life can be extended by performing periodic maintenance. Keep the battery topped up with distilled water whenever necessary. Make sure there are no leaks from the battery. When not using the motorcycle for a long time, keep the battery fully charged.
You should have a fully charged battery if you have been charging it on a maintenance charger. Make sure one is plugged in now if it is not. Taking a full charge is a good sign, but that does not guarantee the battery would not let you down halfway through your rides.
Dielectric grease should be applied to your terminals to prevent corrosion. Inspect your fuses while you are opening your fuse box. You might want to keep a few spares in your bag if there is room. There is nothing more frustrating than having to have your bike towed because of a blown fuse.
02. Cleaning air filter
In particular, dusty conditions will result in the filter becoming clogged up very quickly. Ensure that the air filter is changed at recommended intervals; in dusty conditions, the frequency of cleaning should be increased.
Air filters might also be needed to be changed from time to time, and although it is not necessarily a difficult task, it can be quite a time-consuming one. In some cases, the air filter is easily accessible, but it may require you to remove the gas tank, among other components, to reach it. The air filter should be removed and replaced once you have reached the air box. Once everything has been removed, reinstall it.
03. Engine oil check and change
Engine oil lubricates your gears and engines; if you do not change it, your engine will be damaged. It is important to follow the schedule specified in the owner’s manual for changing the oil.
To change your oil you will need to first start your engine for it to heat up. Oil drains easier when its viscosity is lowered. Remove the oil fill plug as well as the drain plug from the bike while it is standing upright, allowing the oil to escape into a drain pan. It may be necessary to remove some fairing in order to reach the drain plug. The oil filter should also be removed.
You should replace the oil filter once the oil is drained, put back any parts you removed, and then fill up the motorcycle with the right amount and type of oil. It is necessary to replace the oil fill cap. Recycling used oil is possible in bike shops and municipal facilities.
Make sure there are no leaks of oil. Oil becomes thickened with carbon deposits, causing a drag on engine operation. Dirty oil should not be used on your bike. Increasing fuel consumption and reducing engine life will result in higher fuel consumption.
04. Adjust the clutch of your bike
The clutch of your bike must not be too tight or too loose. Be careful not to over-tighten your clutch. Slippage may result from an overtightened clutch. Fuel consumption also increases as a result. Ensure your clutch is adjusted correctly.
05. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and treaded
The valve stem of a tire can be found on the inside of the wheel. Remove the cap and place a pressure gauge on the valve stem. On the sidewall of the tire, there will be information indicating the tire’s pressure.
Make sure that the tire is filled with the correct amount of pounds per square inch (PSI) by using an air compressor.
You may need to let out some air if you overinflate. When finished, replace the valve stem cap. Check the tire’s wear indicator, a little rubber knob located in the grooves of the tire, to evaluate how your tread is holding up. It is time to change the tire if the knob is at the same level as the rubber hits the road.
06. Perform regular cleaning of the bike
The best way to maintain your motorcycle is to keep it clean of dirt and other particles. Bolts and nuts that are missing or loose are easier to notice as a result. Bike cleaning should be done with a microfiber cloth. Whenever possible, park your bike in the shade to avoid direct sunlight. Make sure the ignition switch unit, the ignition coil, and the silencer are covered with plastic sheets before you begin cleaning it.
07. Remember to examine the sprockets.
Make sure the sprockets are in good condition. In the event that they need to be replaced, do so. A sprocket’s wear-out limit is usually 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles). At the same time, change the chain and the driving and driven sprockets. Changing one part at a time is not recommended.
08. Make Sure Your Chain Is Clean
In the event that your bike chain is not lubricated, excess heat can damage it, which will eventually lead to its wear out. In addition to cumulative wear, each of the linked chains becomes loose, causing it to fall off the sprockets more frequently.
The new-style O-ring chain requires less cleaning than the old-style unsealed chain. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often to clean the chain when it gets dirty. Putting the transmission in neutral and elevating the rear wheel of your bike will allow you to move the chain easily. Remove grit and grime from the chain with a gentle bristle brush. The back wheel should be rotated while the lubricant is applied to the chain.
Lube should be evenly applied to the chain, so it can penetrate past the O-rings and into the joints. Paper towels can be used to wipe off the excess lube after the chain has been allowed to sit for five minutes.
- Chains should be washed with paraffin.
- Once the dirt has been fully removed, wipe the chain with a clean, dry towel.
- To lubricate the chain links and the chain, use your old engine oil.
- Make sure the chain on your bicycle has the right amount of tension and play. Any deviation will result in uneven rear wheel power.
- After the dirt has been completely removed, wipe the chain with a clean, dry cloth.