5 Tips to Caring for Your Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle offers a more convenient way to move around the city with its speed, compact size, and low maintenance requirements. But even though they are easier to maintain compared to cars, not paying enough attention to regular maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your motorcycle. You will need to invest your time and resources on some maintenance routines which you can do at home and annual check-ups where you will need a professional motorcycle mechanic to help you out.
Check out these five simple tips to care for your motorcycle and make the most out of your driving experience.
Get the oil changed regularly.
Depending on the model of your motorcycle, you might need to change the oil once every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers (3,000 or 6,000 miles). During summer, your motorcycle uses more oil. and during the cold season, the oil will typically last longer than usual. Just remember to record the date and meter reading whenever you are replacing the oil to help you keep track.
Always check the condition of the brake pads.
Perhaps this is the most important tip that you should always remember to help you avoid accidents while on the road. Check your brake pad at least once every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers (6,000 to 9,000 miles). You may need more frequent checking if you frequently drive on inclined surfaces or roads with heavy traffic where you need to put on the brakes from time to time. If your brake pads are already less than 2 millimeters thick, you may need to get yourself a new set of replacement brake pads.
Keep your tires in good shape.
Checking the condition of the tires is a must before and after you drive your motorcycle. Make sure that there are no holes, cracks, or tears on the tires. Over time, the rubber will also rot. So make sure to replace your tires regularly and don’t put your safety at risk driving on worn out tires. Also monitor the pressure of the tires as it is critical in giving you a perfect glide, handle, and grip while on the road.
Take care of the motorcycle battery.
Most batteries used in motorcycles may last up to two years or even more with proper care. Always make sure that the battery is completely charged before your trip and avoid draining it completely. This will ensure a longer lifespan for your battery. You also need to check the condition of spark plugs which shall be replaced once every 6,000 to 12,000 kilometers (4,000 to 8,000 miles) depending on the make of your motorcycle and the quality of the battery that you are using. Visit Solomotoparts to know more about the recommended batteries and other motorcycle parts offered at very reasonable prices.
Monitor the chains regularly.
Make it a practice to monitor the chains regularly. The chains must not be too loose nor too tight to prevent problems with the gear bearings and the wheels. Regularly apply lubricant to the chains to ensure a smooth ride. Lubricating works best when you just completed a ride, when the chain is still warm and the lubricant spreads evenly on the chains.