Maintaining your Motorcycle

No matter what time of year it is, whether your bike is in storage or you’re actively riding it, you’ll want to make sure proper maintenance is a priority. A bike that’s experiencing mechanical issues is not only inconvenient and annoying, but it can be dangerous as well.a Only when you’re sure all the moving parts of your bike are in peak working condition can you confidently and safely get from one place to the next. Even if you only take your ride on short errands or around town, you’ll want to regularly check your bike for maintenance concerns. 

You’ll also want to make sure you regularly bring in your motorcycle to be inspected by a professional. When that time comes, schedule a service appointment with Maxey’s Motorsports in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We proudly serve the communities of Edmond, Tulsa, Norman, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Chains, Shafts, and Belts

Firstly, the only way the power from your engine is translated to your wheels and into the street is through a series of chains, shafts, and belts. If you want to keep your bike running smoothly, chains will need to be regularly lubricated and belts will need to be checked for damage and wear. You’ll also want to make sure the slack is set appropriately so it’s not too loose or too tight.

Brakes

You’ll have two reservoirs for brake fluid, one for each wheel, and they’ll need to be regularly checked to ensure they’re topped off and filled with fresh fluid. You’ll also want to check the brake pads, looking for excessive or uneven wearing. Also, if you start riding around and notice unusual braking performance like squeaking, grinding, or pulsating, you’ll want to schedule a service appointment right away.

Tires

Your tires will need to be properly inflated so you don’t run the risk of damaging your wheels or popping a tire. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you have a tire pressure gauge handy and near your bike most of the time and check with your motorcycle manufacturer about proper inflation levels. You’ll also want to check the treads while you’re down there. If you notice that the tires are wearing down or that there is unusual wear, you’ll probably want to replace them soon or figure out what’s going on. If you notice one of your tires is damaged, get it replaced right away and avoid riding the bike until you do.

Fuel

Replace your fuel filter when you start to notice that your bike is sputtering or having a hard time starting up. If you let it go, you’ll only be hindering your bike’s efficiency and spending more on gas and power. Also consider how often you ride. If you only ride your motorcycle occasionally, you might want to consider switching to a higher octane fuel, as these won’t corrode as quickly. However, if you know you’ll be setting your bike aside for a while, say over the winter, you can instead use a fuel stabilizer to keep fuel in your tank from going bad and damaging your bike.

Oil

Just as it’s important to keep your car’s oil fresh and full, you’ll want to do the same for your motorcycle. To do this, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, replace it, and then check the oil level and condition. Top off as needed, but if you notice that your oil is dark or sludgy, it’s probably time to replace the oil and oil filter (keep in mind, regular oil changes should happen at least once every 2,000 miles). If you notice metallic shavings, this could be a sign that there are more problems than just the oil and you’ll want to take your bike in to a professional right away.

Battery

Nothing’s more frustrating than going to your car and finding out the hard way the battery is dead. You can’t always avoid this, but if you notice your car has a hard time starting, get it checked sooner rather than later. A drained battery can be recharged before the worst happens. Then again, if your battery drains fairly quickly, even after you recharge it, it could be the alternator that needs to be replaced. You’ll also want to check the posts for corrosion. If you do spot any, don’t panic. Start by cleaning it with a solution of baking soda and water, using a toothbrush to apply it. Keep in mind though that corrosion could signal your battery is getting old and you need to prepare yourself for replacing it.

This just covers some of the basics when it comes to maintenance. There could be additional checks that your bike needs that you should add to this list. If you’re still looking for the perfect motorcycle, then stop by Maxey’s Motorsports in OKC. We’re near Tulsa, Edmond, Norman, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.