From our very first driving school classes, we were trained to always inspect our motorbike before we went out on a ride. Many media stories and PSAs serve as reminders for us to do this as well. Even with how dependable contemporary bikes are, we still tend to overlook things or take them for granted. Doing some simple maintenance on your motorbike doesn’t need you to be mechanically inclined. There is also no need for you to start fiddling with specialized tools or disassembling anything. Naturally, it’s preferable to identify any issues or problems before riding rather than when you’re really out there.
Tires: Tread, pressure, and safety
Get yourself a good tire pressure gauge because gas station pressure meters are infamously unreliable. As per the article’s premise, it’s advisable to do this at home as a cool tire gives the most precise reading. As you ride, pressure rises because hot tires radiate heat to the air within. Moreover, you may keep an eye out for any actual tire damage. Check to see whether the tires have a puncture, fracture, or cut. Verify the tread depth as well. Check for uneven or premature wear, last but not least.
Fluids: brake fluid, coolant, and oil
We tend to overlook the oil level in modern four-stroke motorbike engines since they do not burn engine oil. However, an engine can also lose some oil in other ways. On your bike, you should accurately check the oil level. Generally speaking, the bike must be level and upright on both tires; therefore, using a sloped driveway or a rear paddock stand will result in an inaccurate readout.
Take note of its color as well. It tastes nice in amber or whatever color it comes in (some are blue, others are red). Brown is still doing well. Grayish-black oil is the worst kind of black, which isn’t good at all. If you go to track days, you should also replace the oil every time you leave the racetrack. It’s crucial to have brake fluid. Verify the level. You may have worn brake pads if it is low. If it seems brown, a replacement could be necessary. In actuality, regardless of mileage, brake fluid needs to be changed every two years.
If your bike has liquid cooling, the coolant is the last but certainly not the least fluid on the list. Check the level first. It needs to be positioned in the reservoir between the MIN and MAX markers. Check the color second. It’s okay if the color matches what you put in. But if it’s the color of milk tea, you should have your engine looked at right away! It indicates that a failed seal or, worse, a fracture in the water jacket is allowing engine oil to seep into the cooling system.
Chain: Condition and Tension
The chain has to have some slack to accommodate the swingarm’s motions, typically one inch up and down at the halfway point. Turn the rear wheel in different directions many times to verify the tension for a more accurate estimate. This aids in the early detection of tight spots. If the chain is rusted and unclean, do clean and oil it.
Electrics: electronics and lights
It may seem silly, but whether your bike has LED or halogen lights, we should always make sure the lights are functioning. It’s possible that the switches or sensors are the source of the issue rather than the components that emit light. Just picture driving without a brake light or signals! Regarding electronics, be mindful of any warning lights present on the instrument panel. If you come across one that never goes out, get it fixed as soon as possible.
Brakes: Pads and discs
We constantly desire the greatest brakes, yet we quickly forget about them. Make sure the brake pads’ friction material is always the right thickness. The last thing you want is for the hard backing plate to start scratching the discs as you wear it all down!
Additionally, look for deep grooves and ridges, warpage, and cracks on the discs. When you brake, a poorly warped disc will vibrate and might cause the ABS to activate before it’s time during severe braking. If the disc has cracks, it has to be replaced right away. Ridges and grooves are OK as long as they’re not too high or too deep.
