Motorcycle Maintenance Guide
Maintaining a motorcycle is a crucial bike ownership responsibility. It ensures that the bike runs smoothly and safely when you’re on the road. These are some essential motorcycle maintenance tips that every rider should know to make the upkeep process easier, so continue reading to learn more!
1: Owner’s Manual
First, look over your owner’s manual. We have some great general tips and info, but your manual was written for your motorcycle specifically. It may have different recommendations or even preferred products. It can also be a good maintenance record if you keep notes in it.
2: Tires
Always double-check your tire pressure regularly. Use a tire pressure gauge and compare the psi you find to the recommended psi in your owner’s manual, then adjust as needed. If the tires keep needing to be refilled, there might be a hole and you should see a maintenance professional.
You should also look over your sidewalls for cracks, then ensure your treads are deep enough. If there’s damage on the sidewalls or the treads are balding, you may need replacement tires.
3: Oil Change
Your owner’s manual will let you know how often your oil should be replaced, but check up on it every now and then by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, putting it back in, and removing it again. That will tell you how much oil you have. You should also inspect the viscosity and color. Sludgy, opaque oil will need to be replaced. If you find metal shavings in it, your engine may be grinding itself apart and you should take the bike to a maintenance professional.
4: Fuel and Filter
A motorcycle runs best on a full tank of clean, fresh gasoline. Top your tank off before any long ride, and if you’re putting your bike away for a while, add some fuel stabilizer to keep it from separating and corroding the tank.
You should also change out your fuel filter regularly to ensure it’s removing particulates from the tank before they damage your engine. If your engine is slow to start or is making weird sounds, that might be your problem.
5: Test Lights, Signals, Brakes
Finally, always double-check your bike’s systems to avoid preventable accidents. Take it around the block and monitor your lights, signals, and braking to make sure they’re all working properly. Try different types of stops and listen for squealing or grinding, which may indicate brake problems.
We hope these tips help you and your bike tear up the highway for a while longer! If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale near Yankton or Mitchell, SD, visit Empire Motorsports to browse our selection. You’ll find us conveniently located in Sioux Falls, so stop by today!