Motorcycle Maintenance Could Make The Difference Between Riding And Pushing

Basic motorcycle maintenance can be performed by most owners. So, what is it and why should you do it? All vehicles including motorcycles require maintenance to keep them running trouble free. The best way to know what the requirements are for your bike is to read the owners manual. Some things are much the same for all bikes. I like to change the oil and filter on my bike every 3000 miles or once a year.

You should check all your lights regularly and all tires for air pressure. Its also a good idea to check tires for nails. You should check all fluids levels before a trip and top off as needed. The idea is to catch things before they become expensive repairs. This is called preventive maintenance meaning correcting a concern before it causes damage or you to be in a accident.

Below are common types of maintenance on all bikes.........................

You should check all your lights regularly and all tires for air pressure. Its also a good idea to check tires for nails. You should check all fluids levels before a trip and top off as needed. The idea is to catch things before they become expensive repairs. This is called preventive maintenance meaning correcting a concern before it causes damage or you to be in a accident.

Below are common types of maintenance on all bikes......................... MOTOR OIL

Always check motor oil in engine before each trip most bikes have a site glass and require the bike to be sitting level to check it. See oil page for more on this.

BRAKE FLUID

If you bike has hydraulic brakes you should always check the fluid level and brake firmness before each trip. Most bikes have a level glass to view the fluid level.

CLUTCH FLUID

Before going for a ride check your clutch for proper engagement and the fluid level. Most bikes use the same fluid for the brake and clutch check your manual and follow its requirements.

Be Careful with brake fluid as it will remove paint if you get it on a paint surface clean it immediately.

TIRES

Check tires for nail or other objects in them and repair before and trip. Also check tire pressures and tread depth. Your proper tire pressure will be in your owners manual. For more on tires see pages for motorcycle tire repair and motorcycle tires.

LIGHTING

Check all your lights and signals, they must all work. You want to make sure others can see you.For more on lighting see motorcycle accessories page.

Remember its the little things you do before you take a trip that can make the difference between a good trip and a disaster. Many riders are hurt and some killed due to not following proper motorcycle maintenance.

DON'T BECOME A STATISTIC MAKE A CHECK LIST AND FOLLOW IT EACH TIME ! Motorcycle Maintenance is a very important part of ownership.

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