If you’re a new motorcycle owner, it’s probably safe to assume that you’re excited about your new ride, and rightfully so. Your excitement is probably so high that you’re admiring your new shiny toy and imagining all the things you can now do without thinking about maintenance. But maintenance is essential, as it can save you and your bike from several potentially dangerous situations. Even if you have no experience in motorbike mechanics, there are some basic maintenance tips you show. Here are some of them.
Tyre pressure
Yes, your ride is a new one, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check your tyre pressure anytime you’re about to hit the road. Checking your tyre pressure is vital to riding safely. If your tyre pressure is too low, you risk experiencing a flat tyre or even blowing it out. If your tyre pressure is too high, you may find it a bit difficult to control or handle your bike comfortably.
If you have no idea how to check your tyre pressure, you can refer to your bike’s manufacturer manual. You can also use a tyre pressure gauge or speak to an experienced rider or mechanic.
Bike chain
If you let your motorbike chain go dry and dirty, don’t be surprised if you start experiencing issues with your bike. Also, don’t be surprised to see the chain eating into the bike’s sprockets. On average, a motorbike offers similar power to a small car’s rear wheel. And all of this power passes right through the bike’s chain.
A bike’s chain can wear out about three to four times faster if left ignored, which will significantly affect your bike’s performance. That is why it is necessary to always inspect your chain before riding your bike. Look out for any signs of wear or damage, and lubricate the chain. You can purchase a motorcycle chain cleaner from a reliable mechanic shop or dealer to clean your chains before applying any lubricant.
Your engine oil level
You should always ensure that you have a full engine oil level before you even get on your bike. To know your current engine oil level, turn on your bike’s engine and let it run for a few minutes as it warms up. Once it warms up, put your bike on a centre stand, or you can ask a trusted friend to put the bike in an upright position and keep it there. Next, locate the engine oil glass (you can find it at the bottom of your engine), and check the oil level and colour. If the oil appears dark, you should change it. If the container isn’t full, top it up.
Always have the essential maintenance tools
Tools like a wrench set, screwdriver, tyre pressure gauge, set of Allen keys, tyre irons, pliers, spark plug key, etc., will always come in handy, so it’s best to have them around. And if you plan on going on a long trip with your bike, having these can get you out of an uncomfortable roadside breakdown situation. You can carry a pannier along to store your tools on a long trip. If you own a BMW bike, you can visit this website to check out some pannier options.