How to maintain a motorcycle (with pictures)

Many people get a bit lazy about motorcycle maintenance over time. To keep your motorcycle in good working order, regular maintenance is very important. Maintaining your bike on a regular basis helps you perform at your best and ensures that you can enjoy safe and trouble-free riding. Many of the basic service jobs are easy enough to do yourself.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Perform Specific Maintenance Tasks

Step 1. Check the condition of the tires regularly

You should change the tires when you notice a change in the way the motorcycle is controlled, as specified by local legislation, or at the latest when the tread wears on the wear bars. Underinflated tires will overheat and may fail. Overinflated tires will provide less than optimal grip.

• Ideally, check your tire pressure before and after each trip. Commit to a weekly check-in routine.
• Replace the tires if there is a rapid loss of pressure.
• Replace when there is about 1.59 millimeters (2/32 "or 0.063 inches) of tread around the tire. Don't wait until the tires are unprotected.
• Always change tires in games. Both tires go through the same stresses and rigors of highway driving.

Step 2. Check and refill or replace the engine oil

Lubricate your gears and motors. Failure to change the engine oil will cause engine damage. Your owner's manual will specify how often your oil should be changed, and you should follow that schedule.

• Check for any possible oil leaks. Carbon deposits thicken the oil, creating drag in engine motion.
• Avoid running your motorcycle with dirty oil. It will increase fuel consumption and drastically reduce engine life.

Step 3. Always keep the air filter clean

Dusty conditions in particular will clog the filter in no time.

Always change the air filter at the recommended intervals. Increase cleaning frequency in particularly dusty conditions

Step 4. Adjust the clutch correctly as needed

You must have the correct amount of free movement.

• Don't over-tighten the clutch - a clutch that's too tight can cause it to slip without you noticing. It also leads to an increase in fuel consumption.
• Make sure you have the correct clutch settings in place.

Step 5. Service the engine regularly

Adjust it to keep your engine running like clockwork and reduce fuel consumption.

• Clean the carburetor and keep the valve clearances. Clean the carburetor for every 1500 kilometers (900 miles) you drive.
• Clean the spark plugs and check the gap every 750 kilometers (450 miles) for a vintage or vintage two-stroke motorcycle and every 1500 kilometers (900 miles) for a four-stroke motorcycle. Spark plugs should be changed as specified in the owner's manual (or if a problem is suspected). It is vitally important to use the correct type and grade of spark plug.
• Keep the shutter clean and replace it immediately if it is damaged.

Step 6. Maintain the transmission system

If the motorcycle chain is not lubricated, it can be damaged due to excess heat and will wear out. This cumulative wear on all the separate links makes the chain loosen and more likely to fall off the gear teeth. This can be very dangerous.

• Provides regular lubrication, as well as cleaning and adjustment.

  

• Use paraffin to wash the chain.
• Use a cloth and a soft brush to remove any dirt on the chain. Never use water to clean the chains, as it can rust the chain links.
• Wipe the chain with a clean, dry cloth once the dirt is completely removed.
• Use the old motor oil to lubricate the chain links and chain.
• Make sure the motorcycle chain has the proper tension and free movement. Any variation will not drive the rear wheel smoothly.

Step 7. Clean the bike regularly

Keeping it clean of dirt (and salt in winter) will not only make it look good, but will also help with maintenance. It also makes it easier to notice missing or loose bolts and nuts.

• Cover the ignition switch unit, ignition coil, and muffler with plastic sheeting before you start cleaning the motorcycle.
• Use a microfiber cloth to clean the bike.
• Avoid exposing the motorcycle to direct sunlight. Try to park your motorcycle in the shade.

Step 8. Maintain the motorcycle battery

Perform regular maintenance to ensure long and trouble-free battery life.

• Fill the battery with distilled water, whenever necessary.
• Examine any battery leaks.
• Keep the battery fully charged if the motorcycle is not used for a long time.

Step 9. Maintain the brakes

• Keep both brakes holding the tire properly spaced. Brakes that are set too tight or too loose can be very dangerous.
• Hit the brakes according to your personal style and demands.

  

• Replace the bike's brake pads at the front if the squeaking sound persists. This may also be due to a lack of oil.
• Replaces all front and rear brake oil to the recommended specification (DOT 3/4/5).

  

Step 10. Check the fork and fork oil

• Change the oil in your motorcycle's fork once every 12,000 kilometers.
• Check the forks and spring for rust or damage.
• Adjust the fork according to your preferences and comfort.

Step 11. Check the gear teeth

Replace them when necessary.

• The typical wear limit for gear teeth is 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles).
• Change drive and drive gear teeth and chain at the same time. It is not recommended to change only one part.

Method 2 of 2: Follow a Maintenance Schedule

Step 1. Review some basic aspects of your motorcycle every day or every time you consult them

To perform this type of verification or regular maintenance, you must:

• Check the fuel level every day to confirm that there are no fuel leaks.
• Check all fluid levels: oil, brake fluid, and coolant, if applicable.
• Check the movement of the throttle cable. Confirm smooth operation and correct return to closed position.

  

• Check the steering wheel lock and lever notches for any uneven feel or interference with the operation of any cable with full lock.
• Check the brake pedal play, as specified in the motorcycle manual. Confirm that the wear liner indicator is within the usable range.
• Check drive chain slack, as specified in manual.

  

• Check the lights and horn.
• Check the clutch lever play.

  

• Ensure smooth movement of the steering wheel. Make sure there are no restrictions.
• Make sure that both motorcycle stands return to their fully vertical position.
• Check the correct inflation pressure on both tires. Make sure you have adequate tread depth and that there are no cracks or gouges.

  

• Adjust the rear view space of the mirror if necessary.
• Ensure the functionality of the kill switch.
• Check the brake hoses for chafing or leaks.

Step 2. Do weekly maintenance

Take care of these checks weekly or every 200 miles, whichever comes first.

• Check the oil level - does it require a refill? Fill in if so.

  

• Check your tire pressure with an accurate gauge.
• Check the battery. If it's not maintenance-free, check the electrolyte level and top up with distilled water if necessary.

  

• Check the control cables. Lubricate as needed.
• Check the brakes. The pads and discs should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
• Check and replenish fluids.

  

• Adjust the roller brakes as needed.

  

• Do a complete visual inspection. Check for loose nuts, bolts, and spokes.
• Check for fork seal leaks and any other oil leaks.

Step 3. Do a monthly checkup

Complete these tasks every month or every 1000 miles (whichever comes first).

• Check the spark plugs. Clean and adjust or replace. Anything other than a light or medium brown deposit can indicate problems.

  

• Check the control cables. Adjusts for free movement.
• Check the idle speed. Adjust as needed.
• Lubricate the control lever pivots.

Step 4. Perform quarterly maintenance

Check these items once every three months or 2,500 miles (whichever comes first).

• Change the oil and filter.
• Change the air filter.
• Check the wheel and steering wheel pads and lubricate them.

  

• Replace if necessary.

Step 5. Do a semi-annual review

Check these items twice a year, or every 5000 miles (whichever comes first).

• Adjust carb timing, if applicable.
• Check the overflow pipes. Replace any that are blocked or missing.

Step 6. Do annual maintenance

Complete these checks every year or every 10,000 miles (whichever comes first).

• Performs all of the above semi-annual maintenance tasks.
• Replace the spark plugs.

  

• Check the suspension links for movement. Replace unions, bearings, and bushings as necessary.

Advice

• Turn off the engine if you want to stop for more than two minutes.
• Always wear safe and appropriate helmets when riding a motorcycle.
• Avoid unnecessary accessories for the safety of both the driver and other motorists.
• Use the front and rear brakes simultaneously. Applying a single brake at high speeds can cause the vehicle to lose control.
• Always carry your vehicle registration, insurance documents, and a valid driver's license with you.
• Avoid driving on loose sand or rocks where the vehicle can skid.
• Drive smoothly and steadily. Avoid sudden braking.
• Shift gears carefully according to speed and load requirements.
• Do not overload the vehicle beyond the specified payload.
• Securely tie loose clothing while driving or traveling to prevent them from catching on the steering wheel or catching other objects on the road.
• Do not fill the brake fluid on the old pads. It is designed to lower as the pads wear. You'll change them soon and the new brake pads will push in extra fluid, causing the front tire to lock up as heat builds up. Depending on how fast you are going at the moment, the consequences can be dire.