AMSOIL for Motorcycle Maintenance
While motorcycling can be done any time of year, it is especially popular during the warm weather months. But if your bike has been sitting in the garage for the past few months, then it’s likely that you will need to do some basic maintenance to ride safely. As a seasoned rider, you may already know what jobs need to be done and what elements of your bike are most crucial to inspect. However, if you are new to the motorcycle world, then having a checklist and completing it will help.
Motorcycle Maintenance for Safe Riding
If your bike has been sitting dormant during the winter with gas sitting in the tank, then the first task is to change the gasoline. Old gas gets stale and can result in engine problems- usually when you least expect it.- Check the brakes. This can be done as part of inspecting the tires. Inspect the brake pads for uneven wear or scoring, and replace them if needed. You don’t want your brakes to fail when a quick stop is required!
- What about the battery? Unless your bike is relatively new, you may need to replace the battery. Most motorcycle batteries last between 3 and 4 years before needing to be replaced.
- When it comes to riding, your bike’s tires are one of your first lines of defense. As such, they need to be in good condition. Check for any wear and tear that may have occurred during your last ride. As you check the tires, be sure to test the air pressure and be certain it is at the proper level for your bike and the conditions you will ride with. It is also recommended that you periodically rotate your tires and ensure they are aligned correctly.
Motorcycle Maintenance- The Consumable Products
- Changing the oil in your bike at the beginning of every season is a good idea. Like old gasoline, the old oil is bad for the engine and will prevent other aspects of your bike from working at peak performance. To keep your motorcycle working at its best, visit The House of Syn, your local and online AMSOIL dealer. We have everything you need to ensure your bike is ready to hit the road.
- Lubricate all the various parts. Be it the chain, cables, or other facets of your bike, as everything will work better with proper lubrication. Consider synthetic lubricants from AMSOIL, specifically designed to help you get more from your motorcycle.
- Replace the coolant so your bike doesn’t overheat, freeze, or get corroded. When you change the coolant, you will need to remove any necessary bodywork, place a drain pan under the bike and remove the bolt. To be sure all the coolant is emptied, remove the radiator cap. Once all the old coolant is emptied, replace the bolt and the lid, refill the coolant then be sure that everything is replaced correctly and tightly.
- Replace the oil, fuel, and air filters so the engine can work at its peak. Typically, the oil filter will need to be replaced every 5,000 miles while the fuel filter can go as many as 25,000 miles; the air filter will vary depending on how often and under what conditions you ride.
A Safe Ride
Maintaining your motorcycle is crucial to your safety and those around you. Don’t skip this vital part of bike riding. Be sure that the simple tasks such as replacing the oil and lubricating the chain are done as well as those bigger jobs like replacing balding tires or tightening all the nuts and bolts. The goal is to ride safely, thus protecting yourself and those with whom you share the road.
