Motorcycle Maintenance Tips

Keeping up with regular motorcycle maintenance is an important part of bike ownership. It will help maximize the performance and lifespan of your vehicle - as well as save you money on repairs.

Tires

Keeping your tires maintained ensures good contact with the road and improved fuel efficiency. Riding on bad tires is unsafe and poses several risks, with the main one being that you could suffer a blowout while going at highway speeds and crash!

Take a tire pressure gauge and check each tire regularly, especially before a long ride. Make sure to inflate both of them up to the manufacturer’s recommended psi levels, which will be mentioned on the tire wall or in the owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires will help you get more out of your gas tank, too, which saves you money! 

Remember to check the tread depth and make sure you don’t have any bald spots or embedded objects in your tires. Adequate tread means that your bike will have better traction, which is essential if you’re riding on wet roads.

Brakes

Maintaining your motorcycle’s brakes should always be a top priority. Any questionable sounds like grinding, vibrating, or squeaking should be inspected immediately. 

Brake fluid also needs to be regularly topped off in the front and the back reservoir. 

Check your brake pads frequently to ensure they are wearing evenly. 

If you have any issues maintaining your brakes yourself, don’t hesitate to take your motorcycle to a professional for further assistance.

Fuel

Always check the status of your fuel, especially. You may want to consider using gasoline additives or switching to a higher octane fuel if you don’t ride your motorcycle very often, so it won’t corrode as quickly. 

Do your best to avoid clogged filters. Water can easily condense in the tank, which may cause problems when starting up the bike. Your motorcycle should not sputter or struggle to start.

Oil

Maintaining your bike’s oil, just as you would with your car, is also a necessity. You can start by checking that the oil is within the correct range on the dipstick. Next, you’ll want to check the oil quality. If the oil appears sludgy or too dark, it might be time for a change. It’s also good to look for any metal shavings in the oil because this could indicate possible internal damage. 

Chains and Belts

Chains and belts transfer power from your engine to other components, so making sure that they’re going to work properly on the road is important. Chains need to be lubricated, and belts need to be inspected for tears and frays. You’ll want to make sure that the slack on both belts and chains is not too loose or too tight.

Battery

If you’re having issues starting your motorcycle, you can start by checking the battery. It’s possible that your battery needs to be recharged, but if it’s old, you might have to replace it. Keep in mind that if you replace the battery and it’s still not holding a charge, there’s a possibility that the alternator isn’t working properly.

When you need professional maintenance help, or are looking to buy a motorcycle, visit the experts at Arizona Honda. We are based in Snowflake, Arizona, and also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.