Depending on your bike, each of these chores may have different needs. To learn more about things like where to find filters and plugs, what parts to take out to get at them, how often to change different types and quantities of fluids, and torque requirements for tightening nuts and bolts, consult your owner’s manual before you start. Rear stand devices can be used to straighten motorcycles that don’t have a central stand.
1. Change the Oil
To keep your engine running properly you need to change the oil every few thousand miles for more information, consult your owner’s manual. To warm up the bike you should ride it for around five minutes. According to Olesen, “this lowers the oil’s viscosity so it will drain easier.” Remove the oil fill and drain plugs when the bike is upright and the engine off to allow the oil to flow into a drain pan. (To access the drain plug, you might have to remove some fairing.) Remove the oil filter as well.
(Note: This procedure may become untidy! To prevent drippage, try wrapping aluminum foil over the engine and/or exhaust area.) After the oil has drained, replace the oil filter, replace any removed parts, and then top up with the appropriate amount and kind of motorcycle oil, as directed by the owner’s handbook, using a funnel. Put the oil fill lid back on. Use a bike shop or municipal facility to recycle your spent oil.
2. Change the Air Filter
A clogged air filter which keeps dirt and debris out of the engine will reduce the performance of your motorbike. Although it might take some time changing an air filter is not necessarily a difficult process according to Olesen. In many cases, accessing the air filter is simple, but in other cases, you might need to take off the gas tank and other components. Remove and replace the air filter after accessing the air box. Reinstall whatever you removed after that.
3. Maintain Tire Pressure and Tread
To check the pressure in a tire locate the valve stem on the inside of the wheel remove the cover and put an air pressure gauge against it. The sidewall of the tire will bear this information in print. Check the pressure against the recommended level. To fill the tire to the recommended PSI, use an air compressor, which is readily accessible at most petrol stations.
Expel air if you overfill. When finished, replace the valve stem cap. The wear indicator on your tire is a little rubber knob that fits into the grooves to tell you how well your tread is holding up. It is time to get the tire replaced by a licensed mechanic if the knob is level with the rubber on the road.
4. Change the Coolant
To reach the coolant drain bolt, remove any necessary bodywork. The bolt should then be removed after placing a drain pan underneath the engine. Changing the coolant prevents your engine from freezing, corroding or overheating. Remove the radiator cap and make sure everything drains. After everything is finished, put the drain bolt back in place. To add the right amount of coolant back into the system, use a funnel.
Place the radiator cover back on and replace any removed bodywork. Start the engine and allow it to warm up a little before you turn off the ignition. After cooling down remove the radiator cap and examine the coolant level. According to the owner’s manual top off the coolant if needed.
5. Maintain a Clean Chain
As opposed to the older unsealed chains, the majority of chains nowadays are O-ring chains, according to Olesen, and therefore require less maintenance. At the recommended mileage specified in your owner’s handbook or if the chain becomes extremely dusty, you should clean it. As soon as you do, shift into neutral and raise the back wheel of your bike to facilitate simple chain shifting. For the purpose of cleaning the chain, use a soft bristle brush.
Turn the rear wheel as you add specialized chain lubricant to lubricate the chain. According to Olesen, “the objective is to get the lubricant to penetrate past the O-rings and into the joint, coating the chain uniformly.” After letting the chain set for five minutes, use a paper towel to remove any leftover lubricant.
