Things to Check Regularly

There are dozens of parts on a motorcycle that could be checked on a regular basis and there is certainly nothing wrong with checking all those parts. But let’s try to slim the list down to the most important items so you still have time to ride.

Here’s a basic list of some of the most important things to check on your bike: Battery, Oil, Tires, Brakes, Chain (or Shaft Drive, Belt Drive) and Fuel.

Tires

Tip: Keep a low pressure tire gauge in your bike’s tool bag at all times. Try to remember to check your tire pressure every time you fill up for gas.

• Keep your tires correctly inflated. A tire that is very under-inflated generates a lot of heat which can lead to a blow out. Tires that run too hot also wear out more quickly. The most common motorcycle breakdown is for tire damage.
  
  
• Replace your tires sooner rather than later. If tread depth is 1-2mm it’s time to replace your tires.

Brakes

Tip: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and becomes less effective. Replace brake fluid every one to two years and your brakes will perform the best they can.

• Motorcycles have up to two brake fluid reservoirs, one for the front, usually found on the handlebars and one for the back. Both should be checked regularly. Topping up should only be done from a new, sealed bottle as brake fluid tends to absorb moisture over time.
  

  Beware - brake fluid, if spilt on paintwork eats right through to the bare metal.

• Also check the thickness of the brake pads. If you allow them to go right down to the metal your brake disc will be damaged resulting in an unnecessary and expensive replacement.

Chain, Shaft Drives, Belts

Tip: Lube your chain every time you fill up for gas (or at the end of each ride) when the chain is still warm so the oil can easily soak in and get into all the tight spots of the chain.

• Chains:
  
  
  • Lubricate your chain often, spraying liberally on the side of the chain that comes into contact with the sprockets. Wait five or ten minutes before you wipe all excess oil off the chain. Spinning the back tire will ensure that the rest of the chain is lubricated when it comes into contact with the sprocket and pinion.
    
    
  • Check your chain’s tautness. Bike chains should never be fully taut but must be able to sag between 3/4" to 1 1/4" at the mid-point between the two sprockets. The sag is used when the bike suspension moves up and down over uneven surfaces.
    
    
• Shaft Drives: Even though shaft drives on motorcycles require little maintenance, it is recommended that you replace the shaft drive oil every time you change the oil on your motorcycle. This will lead to a very long and happy life for the shaft drive.
  
  
• Belt Drives: As with shaft drives, belts do not require a lot of maintenance. Every time you change the oil on your motorcycle check the belt tension and adjust if necessary. Make sure your belt is always clean.

Fuel

Tip: Check your fuel filter on a regular basis and replace every 2 years.

• Fuel is often overlooked as a form of preventative maintenance on a motorcycle.
  
  
• Check the fuel filter (if you have one) to make sure it’s not clogged and looks clean and clear. Replace fuel filters every 2 years.
  
  
• Check the fuel lines for weather damage and cracking, replace immediately if any is found.
  
  
• Remember when parking your motorcycle for any length of time to turn the petcock (fuel tap) to the ‘Off‘ position. This prevents any fuel potentially leaking out and flooding the carbs or the engine.

Oil

Tip: Check your oil level when it is cold before you go on a ride. If it’s not at its high or max level, top it off before going out.

• Regular oil and filter changes will keep your motorbike young and healthy.
  
  
• Oil level. Make sure you regularly check and keep your oil level at its HIGH or MAX level. It is best to check your oil level on the bike’s center stand or when it is in a level position. An under filled oil level can be disastrous while too much oil over the limit may flood your air cleaner with oil (which is VERY embarrassing).

  Here are some additional pointers regarding oil that are true for most bikes:

• Be careful to not allow foreign matter and dirt to fall in during the inspection process.
  
  
• High temperatures, speed, heavy traffic, short trips and dust quickly destroy the quality of your oil. If you do ride in these conditions change your oil more frequently.
  
  
• Always use a good quality oil filter. The extra money is worth it.
  
  
• Motorcycles can and do use the same oils as cars although special synthetic motorcycle oils are available. Always use the recommended oil weight for your motorcycle (e.g. 10w40 or 20w50). Older (15+ year old) motorcycles run best on regular (non-synthetic oil), while new bikes like either.

Battery

Tip: Check the fluid levels on each chamber. If any chamber is low, carefully top it off. Use only distilled or deionized water, NOT tap water. Tap water has minerals in it that can hurt the battery.

• The humble battery is a very common cause for motorcycle breakdowns! Unfortunately they are often awkward to get to and therefore do not get checked as often as they should.
  
  
• A battery only requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, recharging when the light become dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple check list every month:
  
  
  • Check the electrolyte level
    
    
  • Top off only with distilled or deionized water, wear gloves and protective glasses. Top off in a well ventilated area and beware of fumes.
    
    
  • Keep the top free of grime.
    
    
  • Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections.
    
    
  • Clean terminals and connectors as necessary.
    
    
  • Replace caps firmly.
    
    
  • To extend the service life of your battery, make monthly battery maintenance part of your routine.