Motorcycle Maintenance Tips

Motorcycles are complex machines with many moving parts. Most of the time, they run without a hitch. However, sometimes they experience a little bump in the road. The good news is many of the basic issues can be prevented or resolved by you! All you need is to be equipped with the right knowledge and tools, and you can skip the trip to the mechanic. We gathered some easy motorbike maintenance tasks you can tackle, so read on to learn more! 

Tires

When your tires aren’t up to par, you could experience a dangerous blowout. The first thing to check is your inflation levels with a tire pressure gauge. Too much inflation decreases the contact of your tires with the road. Too little inflation makes it hard for your tire to cope with all the forces pushing down on it.

The second step is to look at your tread. This gets worn down naturally as you ride, eventually getting too worn down to ride safely. The general rule is to replace the tread when it gets too thin, but you can check the owner’s manual of your bike for the exact suggestion. Tread can get worn down faster by improper tire inflation and poor tire alignment. If your tread is getting worn down too fast (or more so on one tire or the other), you might have one of these issues.

Brakes

Motorcycle brakes are your line of defense in avoiding a collision. Before you head out, check the fluid levels of your front and rear tires. When they get low, top them off. Always test your brakes before you embark on a ride. Replace them once they get too worn down. If you hear any grinding, pulsating, or squeaking, bring them to a mechanic.

Oil

Check your oil with a dipstick. Place the dipstick in, wipe it off, put it in again, and check your oil level. There should be enough oil (top it up if there isn’t) for the engine to run smoothly. Next, examine the color and consistency of the oil. If it is too sludgy or dark, you’ll want to replace it. If you find any metallic shavings or powder, your engine parts might be grinding against each other. You’ll want to bring your motorbike to a mechanic if that’s the case.

If you need help with bike maintenance or are looking to buy a motorcycle, contact us at Silver Powersports in Silver City, NM. We proudly serve all those in Deming and Las Cruces.