5 Important Motorcycle Parts That Need Maintenance
August 24, 2022
What are the important motorcycle parts that need maintenance?
- Battery
- Brakes
- Oil
- Tires
- Bike Chains
A well-maintained motorcycle is a safer motorcycle. As a bike owner, it’s essential for you to understand how the vehicle works. You’ll need to know what makes it move in order to maintain it properly.
There are some motorcycle parts that need maintenance more than others. Sometimes, you’ll need to even check on this daily. You can always refer to its manual for the bike’s regular check-up information. You can also refer to this list to familiarize yourself with the different parts of the motorcycle that need extra attention.
Battery
Without a battery, a motorcycle can’t start. It acts as a buffer between the bike’s electrical components and its charging system. On top of that, it also supplies the motorcycle extra current whenever the alternator output is running lower than the current draw.
Compared to other parts of the motorcycle, this part can be checked less. Check your motorcycle’s battery at least once a month to ensure that it will start up smoothly. It can be difficult to maintain your motorcycle’s battery because of its inconvenient position. However, these checks still need to be done.
Check the battery’s fluid level found in each battery chamber. This depicts the electrolyte levels of the battery. If you see it’s running low, fill it up with either distilled or deionized water. Never use tap water because it is contaminated with different minerals that can harm your motorcycle’s battery.
You also need to maintain the battery’s charge. Always make sure it’s at 100%. This can be done by using a trickle charger. Aside from this, check if the battery’s terminals are properly fastened. Replace them if they show signs of rusting or deterioration.
Brakes
A motorcycle can’t function without its brakes. This is one of the most important motorcycle parts that need maintenance. It keeps you safe on the road since it’s what allows the bike to stop while it is in motion.
Every motorcycle has two sets of brakes, on the front and rear wheels. The front wheel requires more braking power compared to the rear wheel. These need to be checked regularly before taking your motorcycle for a ride.
Take a look at the brake fluid reservoirs. These are located in the front and back of the bike. It’s ideal to replace these every year. You need to also check on the brake pads. They should never wear too thin since they can damage the motorcycle’s brake disc.
Engine Oil
The engine oil is responsible for keeping the motorcycle’s engine well-lubricated. It prevents metal-to-metal contact. If kept unchecked, your motorcycle may experience problems.
Before using your motorcycle, check the engine oil levels. Every bike has either a dipstick or an oil sight glass. There are two markings that indicate the oil’s minimum and maximum levels.
When your bike isn’t in use, conduct oil checks. The oil should always be towards the maximum level on its indicator. If it’s running low, add oil until it reaches the maximum level. It’s also not advisable to over-oil your motorcycle.
Aside from oil checks, you’ll need to have the engine oil at least once a year. This can vary depending on what’s indicated in the manual. However, if you tend to use your motorcycle regularly, you may need to conduct oil changes more often.
Tires
The wheels of your motorcycle receive the power from its engine for the bike to move. The part that requires maintenance in the wheel is the rubber tire.
Check the tires of your motorcycle before each use. Motorcycles tend to break down because of the pressure from tires that are underinflated. It can lead to a blowout.
Make sure that there are no signs of wear or tear on rubber tires. When necessary, add more air into the tire. You’ll also need to check the depth of wear down in the rubber tire. If it is down to 1- 2mm, it’s time to replace the tire.
Bike Chains
In a motorcycle, the bike chains transmit mechanical power to the bike by transferring power from the engine to its rear wheel. Be sure to check this chain before and after every ride.
While your motorcycle is still warm, lubricate its chain. This lets the oil penetrate all parts of its chain. You’ll also need to check the chain tension. There should always be an inch’s worth of slack between its two sprockets.
Key Takeaway
All the parts of a motorcycle need to receive proper care. Always take note of the motorcycle parts that are maintained. This gives you the assurance that you are driving a safe vehicle, and it will also allow you to enjoy more years riding your motorcycle.
If you find yourself needing a replacement for any of these parts, you can contact us here at Robert’s. We offer high-quality OEM parts and more!