If you love riding motorcycles, you know how important it is to keep your bike in good shape. This is why it’s crucial to understand your options when it comes to motorbike service and how much it costs.
How often a motorcycle needs maintenance varies depending on the type of bike, chain, amount of use and external conditions like dust or rain. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual for more details and to schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
Basic Maintenance
Regardless of your skill set or whether you have a bike or not, knowing how to perform basic motorcycle service is an important part of keeping your ride in top shape. It also saves money on the service bill and gives you peace of mind.
The first thing to check is your air filter. This protects your engine by preventing debris from entering it and clogging up the air passages.
Next, a bike’s radiator is essential for cooling the internal parts of the engine. Flushing it regularly and replacing the cap will keep corrosion from occurring.
Lastly, a rider should ensure their brakes are properly maintained. Brakes work by transferring power from the engine to the rotors through a series of belts and drives.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid helps with lubrication within your gearbox, helping to minimize friction while allowing the transmission to shift smoothly. It also helps with keeping the system cool.
Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, it is important that you keep up with the fluid levels so that it does not wear down and cause problems for your vehicle.
There are many different types of transmission fluid that you can choose from, including synthetic and natural options. Synthetic transmission fluid offers a number of benefits, including increased durability and improved oxidation resistance.
If you are unsure about the type of transmission fluid that is appropriate for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or ask a technician at your local service center. Most experts recommend changing your transmission fluid every 45,000 to 80,000 miles depending on driving habits and use.
Flat Tires
If you ride a motorcycle, the chances are good that you have a flat tire at some point. Luckily, it is relatively easy to repair a flat tire.
The first thing you should do when you have a flat is to stop, get out of your bike, and check for any foreign objects that might be puncturing the tire. Sometimes a piece of metal, glass or even a small nail can be spotted at just a glance, but other times you may need to roll your bike a few feet to find the source of the problem.
If you can identify the source of the problem, you can use a product like “Fix A Flat” to seal it so that you can continue riding. However, it is important to note that this product should not be your primary tire repair solution as it can damage your tires and wheel rims.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is a serious problem for any motorbike owner. Fortunately, there are ways to repair and revive your battery.
The first step is to check it for physical damage. If there are cracks, bulging or corrosion, then you should consider replacing it immediately.
Even a well-maintained and high-quality battery will eventually die. This is a normal part of the life cycle of a lead acid battery, but you can help ensure yours stays alive for as long as possible by keeping it cool and away from excessive heat and vibration.
Other symptoms to look for include the fading of headlights or horn, and the loss of brightness in bike lights, which will all indicate that the battery is draining its charge. If this is the case, it’s time to invest in a new battery.
Replacement Parts
Whether you’re planning a DIY overhaul or an in-person repair, it’s always a good idea to have a few spare parts on hand. Keyless ignition fob batteries, seat bolts and clutch levers are just a few examples of components that can be easily replaced on the road.
Emission-related add-on and modified parts are subject to VC 27156, which requires prior approval from ARB to be sold or installed. Specifically, aftermarket manufacturers of these types of parts must be able to provide evidence that the replacement part is functionally identical to an original equipment part that’s already on the motorcycle. They also must display an ARB exempted label indicating the manufacturer, device name and valid E.O. number assigned by ARB on the product. To find out more about obtaining an exemption, visit ARB’s website.