Motorcycle Maintenance Tips

Whether you’re thinking about purchasing your first bike or you’ve been a proud motorcycle owner for years, proper bike maintenance is the key to longevity and excellent performance. If you need some help understanding the ins and outs of motorcycle maintenance, we’ve got you covered with this brief guide. Read on to learn more.

Check the Chains, Shafts, and Belts

Motorcycle chains, shafts, and belts are designed to distribute the engine’s power to the correct places. As time goes on, these parts will need attention. When performing motorcycle maintenance, lubricate these parts as needed.

First, determine whether your bike is belt-driven or chain driven. If the engine is connected to the rear wheel with a chain, it’s a chain-driven bike. You'll need to regularly lubricate the chain with a spray lubricant. If it’s belt-driven, you should regularly inspect the belts for tears and frays. Regardless of which system your bike uses, you should always check the slack of the belts and chains to ensure they aren’t too tight or too loose.

Brake Inspection

The brakes are another critical part of motorcycle maintenance. Your bike has two reservoirs for brake fluid, one for each wheel. Both reservoirs should have the appropriate amount of fluid. If any of these levels are low, refill them.

Next, it’s time to check the brake pads. As you may know, the brake pads wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. You should never wait until the brake pads are dangerously thin to replace them. If you notice your brakes are grinding, squeaking, or pulsating, it’s time to bring your motorcycle in for professional service.

Replace the Fuel Filter

If you want maximum efficiency, your fuel filter needs to be functioning properly. If you notice your bike is sputtering or struggling to start, it may be time to replace the fuel filter. If you go for long stretches without riding, you should think about switching to a higher-octane fuel to protect your motorcycle from corrosive, ethanol-heavy fuel. When storing your bike for several months at a time, consider using a fuel stabilizer.

Change the Oil

Don’t forget to check the oil regularly and change it as needed. You should never ride more than 2,000 miles without changing the oil. You can perform this motorcycle maintenance task by removing the dipstick, wiping it off, and reinserting it. Remove it once more and look at the oil level and condition. If it’s in good condition but running a bit low, you may benefit from a top-off. If it’s dark or sludgy, you should change the oil and replace the oil filter.

If you’ve got any questions about motorcycle maintenance, contact us at Sky Powersports Cocoa. You’ll find us in Cocoa, FL, where we proudly serve all those in Palm Shore and East Orlando.