Maintaining your motorcycle or trike is your primary responsibility. You need to realize that motorcycles unlike cars, cannot survive a long time of neglect. If you do not take good care of your motorcycle, it will cause a direct threat to your safety. Here are some useful tips, that will not take up too much of your time and make your motorcycle well cared for.
Inspect Regularly
There are a dozen parts in your motorcycle that require a regular check. Create a checklist of all the things that need to be inspected, regarding the motorcycle's performance and safety. Every time you cover 5,000 kilometers, send it for service. Regular service may cost you a small amount, but it is very important and should not be ignored. Check the basics; tire pressure, cable action, controls and visibility in mirrors, brake function, examine for any loose items, and do regular service maintenance according to your users manual - without fail. Even doing a little will make a huge difference.
Checking The Oil
Whenever you stop for gas also check your motorcycle's oil level. While checking the oil, make sure, no foreign material accidentally falls into your motorcycle's oil storage compartment. Avoid exposing your motorcycle constantly to extremely hot or cold weather, as this can affect the oil's quality.
Every Bike Is Unique
Maintenance for every bike is slightly different, you can find the maintenance information about your ride from any motorcycle and trike sales business or online, by doing a search for your brand. There are even forums for custom built motorcycles and trikes around the world.
Batteries
One of the most common problems of motorcycles are battery related. You need to take excellent care of your battery, at all times. Never remove or replace them if the engine is still running. And don't change batteries by yourself if you don't have any experience. A good plan is to use a battery tender to maintain the motorcycle battery.
Clean Up
Believe it or not, but cleaning your motorcycle can significantly reduce future maintenance costs and the chances of having an accident while you are riding. Simply cleaning your ride will give you good visual opportunity to inspect, and examine parts and connections all over your motorcycle. If you don't like the idea of regular cleaning, just think of it as killing two birds with one stone: cleaning will let you enjoy a safer, and cooler ride on your bike!
Some tips on cleaning:
1. Never use soap oil because it gradually fades the tank and other parts, it can be used for the rim and chain case.
2.Always use shampoo on the tank, visor and the other plastic parts.
3.When you are cleaning leather saddles, shampoo and condition them regularly. Since they are delicate, you need to maintain them properly.
4.Wheels can be difficult to clean, and a long-armed brush is usually the best way scrub off brake dust and dirt. Apply a wheel cleaner first, and let it settle before scrubbing it off. Chrome wheels will require specific cleaners, so be aware of your wheel's finish before purchasing a cleaner.
5.A toothbrush will go a long way towards making hard to reach parts look clean. Apply a little soap or degreaser on the tip for non-chrome engine parts, and the oil and grime will disappear.
6.Use warm, soapy water to clean your motorcycle. Microfiber sponge gloves are a great way to clean a bike's painted parts. Use 100% cotton or microfiber sponges, as other materials can cause damage.
7.Use a soft chamois or cotton cloth to dry your motorcycle. Make sure any sponge or cloth you use does not fall down, it can pick up pebbles or mud and scratch your motorcycle. Enjoy a good ride on you newly cleaned motorcycle, this will dry out any parts that you were not able to reach while you were drying.
First Aid
It is always advisable, to have a properly equipped toolbox strapped to your motorcycle. Even the world's slowest and safest driver can still be an unfortunate victim of an accident, so having a toolbox will just be your way of preparing for any eventuality!
The more care and maintenance you give your bike, the longer it will last. Performing general maintenance on your motorcycle will help you spot problems even before they arise. Perform all these simple, cost effective tasks and you will ride with the confidence, that your bike will never let you down!
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