Do you own a motorbike? In addition to your safety and gear, you also need to know how to take care of your motorbike. While some owners do not find the need to take care of their motorbike other than washing especially in the first few months, it is imperative to remember that a well-maintained bike will look and perform like it is new for long. A well-maintained bike will also last longer and remain reliable for your daily journeys. Fortunately, you do not need to take your bike to a mechanic at regular intervals as maintaining it yourself is enough to keep it in pristine condition as long as you do understand what to look out for in your maintenance routine.
How to take care of your motorbike
The first thing you should always do to take care of your bike is to wash it regularly. How often you wash
your bike depends on the dirt you would like to clean off. It is important to note that washing your bike too often might get the lubricants washed away. On the other hand, failing to wash the dirt may prevent you from noticing leaks or damaged parts. The dirt might also affect the appearance of the motorbike especially it has been on your bike for long making it rust or even cause the color to fade, which is one of the main reasons why you should learn how to take care of your motorbike. Therefore, it is advisable to wash your bike only when it is necessary. Once the bike is clean, you should then take care of the following parts.
Tires
You should regularly check the condition of your motorcycle tires as well as the air pressure. You should always maintain the air pressure at the levels recommended by the manufacturer. You can use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that pressure is at the recommended level. You should also check the tires for possible scrapes and cuts that may likely cause a tire blowout.
Engine
Regularly servicing and tuning up the engine of your bike will ensure efficiency. You should never forget to clean the carburetor and maintain other important parts such as the spark plug and valve clearances among others. You should also regularly check the quality and quantity of the engine oil. You can check the quality of oil using a viscosity test. If you notice that the oil is no longer thick or that it has changed color, you should replace the oil.
Brakes
As a matter of precaution, you should never set off without testing your brakes whether they are working properly. You should also check the brake fluid reservoirs and always use new sealed brake fluid if they need a topping. You should also check the thickness of the brake pads.