Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, sudden motorcycle maintenance issues can happen to anyone, leaving you stranded partway through your ride. Luckily, planning and preparation will allow you to mitigate the risks. Follow these tips in order to prepare yourself for motorcycle maintenance on the road.

Prevention

Keeping up with maintenance can go a long way towards preventing you from needing to undergo roadside maintenance in the first place. Do what you can to keep your motorcycle in good condition, and perform any and all regular maintenance tasks outlined in your owner’s manual. 

A pre-ride inspection is another good way to prevent the need for roadside maintenance. By detecting problems like malfunctioning breaks or battery corrosion early, you can resolve these issues from the safety of your own garage rather than out on the road. 

Preparation

Having a basic tool kit always on hand will allow you to resolve minor maintenance issues on your own instead of calling for a mechanic. Your kit should include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tire patches, a fuel siphon, and a portable air compressor. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these tools so that you are ready to use them should the need arise. 

How to Handle a Situation

1. Get Safely Out of Traffic

If something goes wrong with your motorcycle mid-ride, your first priority should be to safely remove yourself from traffic. Signal your distress to other motorists if possible, and pull over or take the next exit. 

2. Make a Plan

Once you have gotten to safety, assess the situation and make a plan. If you feel safe where you are and the repair is within your abilities, you can fix it then and there. However, if you feel that there is still a danger that you will be hit by another motorist while working or the repair requires tools or skills that you don’t have, seek help immediately, whether from a roadside assistance service or just a friend with a truck. If necessary, contact a service department in order to get your bike fixed. 

We here at Road Track & Trail hope you found this guide helpful. To view our selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles, or to access our parts, financing, and servicing departments, visit our dealership in Big Bend, Wisconsin. We are proud to serve communities like Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois. We hope to see you soon!