The Basics of Motorcycle Maintenance

Motorcycle maintenance doesn't have to be a boring chore, and if you learn to take an interest in it, it can become as crucial to motorcycle ownership as riding. That may sound like a stretch, but the way you maintain your motorcycle directly affects its performance, and it also affects its safety. A poorly maintained engine will come up short on horsepower, and may break long before it's meant to. A neglected set of tires that blows out on your next ride will quickly demonstrate how important maintenance is.

Unlike cars, many motorcycles are relatively simple, and working on them involves skills that be learned with relative speed. This brief guide is designed to show you some of the most important parts of maintaining your motorcycle.

And remember, if you come against a problem you can't solve with your own two hands, bring your bike to the Barnes Bros.. Motorcycles and Off-Road Service and Repair Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. We'll make sure your bike leaves in peak shape so you can get back to riding as soon as possible.

Tires

Keeping an eye on your tires is something that requires virtually zero technical skill and it's also one of the most important parts of keeping your motorcycle safe. Tire pressure is one of the clearest indicators of tire health. For example, a tire that constantly loses air may have a problem with its valve stem, it may be worn to the point of leaking, or it may be pierced by a foreign object which is allowing air to slowly escape. Keep a tire pressure gauge with you whenever you ride so you can be sure your tires are in good shape. Motorcycle tires only last about 12,000 miles usually, so keep an eye on that odometer. If your tires are worn down past the wear bars, you might have to replace them earlier!

Chains

Many bikes are chain fed, and these chains can become caked with grease and grit. Over time, a poorly maintained drive chain can rust and eventually break or seize up. Keep your chain clean by spraying it with a little bit of chain lubricant on a regular basis. You don't need a lot, but chain lubricant applied at least once a month for a bike that's ridden regularly will keep it in good shape. Once every year or so you should consider doing a deep clean with chain restorer to get any residual mess off.

Filters

Your bike has several filters and each of them serves an important function. The fuel filter sits just below the fuel tank and keeps any particulate or rust from entering (and clogging) the carburetor or fuel injectors. The air filter is closer to the front of the bike and gulps up fresh air to be combusted in the cylinder. The oil filter sits near the oil pan and keeps the oil clean. All of these should be replaced occasionally, if on different schedules. Your oil filter should be replaced every time your oil is changed. Your fuel filter might not need to be changed very often at all, although it doesn't hurt to have it swapped out every few years to make sure you're getting a good flow of fuel at all times. Your air cleaner should be changed in relationship to how much the bike is ridden and where it is ridden. If you live in a dusty environment, you might need to change it frequently, as often as every 5,000 miles. Otherwise, once every 10,000 miles should do the trick.

Ignition

You may not think about your spark plugs very often, but they're there working away through every stroke of the piston. Every deficiency can rob you of performance. For this reason, it's important to maintain your spark plugs. To view your spark plugs, unhook your battery, then unhook the cable wire connecting to your spark plug. Unscrew the spark plug and look for any major problems. The ceramic case should be free of chips or cracks, and they shouldn't be covered in oil or water. If they are, it's probably time for some service work from a qualified professional.

Fluids

Always maintain your fluids on a regular basis. Check your oil at least once a month. When it starts to get dark and sludgy, change your oil and fuel filter. Make sure you keep your brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid topped off, too. Each of these systems has their own reservoirs which need to be checked independently.

Most of these tips are things you can do yourself at home, and should you need any parts, stop by our parts department to pick them up! However, there are some things that are best left to the professionals. Unless you are a trained mechanic, you might want to leave major engine fixes to experienced motorcycle technicians. Barnes Bros.. Motorcycles and Off-Road has a well-equipped service center that can handle even the toughest jobs. Our crew of knowledgeable, talented technicians can help you. If you live near Canonsburg, Washington, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, call, click, or stop by today.