Motorcycle Maintenance

Owning a motorcycle is all about getting those on-the-road thrills, but to ensure your bike is ready to deliver you’ll need to keep up to date on maintenance. A bike that falls into disrepair isn’t just a bike that won’t give you the exciting experience you’re after, it’s also dangerous! Take a few moments before you ride to perform an inspection, and when you have the time set aside for a longer look, give your bike a solid once over and make sure some of its key components are in good condition.

At Road Track & Trail we know our customers want the most out of their investment in a motorcycle, which is why regular maintenance is so important. There’s no better way to keep your bike riding right and out of the shop than to be aware of its ride-to-ride condition and knowing when to replace what.

Tires

Tires are the first place to start when it comes to maintaining your bike’s rideability, both because the tires are where you make contact with the road and also the particular dangers involved with a blowout while riding a motorcycle. Start your examination by checking the air pressure. Use a simple air pressure gauge like one you’d use on your car tires. Follow recommended pressure as printed by the manufacturer on the tire wall. Next make sure the tread is wearing down evenly on both front and back tires. If there’s a major difference, it could indicate a more serious issue with your bike and and you should seek professional service. Take a moment to dislodge any foreign objects that may have gotten stuck in there, as they could come loose on future rides and do real damage. Any obvious gouges, gashes, or scalping on the tire wall might indicate it’s time to replace your tires completely.

Chains and Belts

A motorcycle transfers power from its engine to components through a series of belts, drives, and shafts. Keeping these lubricated and in good shape is key to your motorcycle’s health. If your engine is connected to the rear wheel with a chain make sure to lubricate this chain regularly with spray lubricant. If your bike is belt-driven, inspect the belt and make sure it’s not frayed or torn in any spots. Check the slack in all your chains and belts to make they aren’t too tight or too loose.

Fluids

Your bike’s fluids need to be checked just like they are on a car or truck. Start with the engine oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, and then removing it again. If the oil is golden in color, it’s fine to top it off to the marked levels and move on; if the oil is brown/black and sludgy, it’s time for an oil change and new filter. Brake fluid is stored in a pair of reservoirs in the front and rear. Check them and top off their levels as needed. The same can be done with engine coolant. Related is the fuel filter, which when clogged can reduce bike performance to a great degree. Make sure you replace your fuel filter if you notice your bike sputtering or having a hard time starting. If you don’t ride very often, use a higher octane fuel, as ethanol-heavy fuels can turn sludgy and corrosive if left for any significant amount of time. You can also use a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store your bike for a long period.

Battery

If you’re having problems starting your bike, check the battery. If it’s drained, you’ll need to give it a charge. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to replace it. And if your bike drains through the new battery quickly, you’ll need a new alternator. If you need to store your bike, remove the leads from the posts so that it won’t drain while it’s stored. Finally, check the posts for corrosion. A simple solution of baking soda and water applied with a toothbrush can easily remove this corrosion, although if your battery is old, it might be time to get a new one anyway.

With a bit of attention, the right tools, and some helpful hints from your friends at Road Track & Trail, you’ll ensure your motorcycle gets the maintenance it needs to keep delivering thrills mile after mile. This isn’t the end of the journey, though. For more bike maintenance information, as well as a great selection of new and used motorcycles, head into our showroom in Big Bend, Wisconsin, near Waukesha, Kenosha, and Milwaukee. Come in today and let our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals answer all your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams!