What you need to think about to keep your motorcycle in top condition:
Buying a motorcycle is one thing, maintaining it is a whole different story.
Of course, you also have gradations here again..
Some prefer to disassemble their engine every winter, while others don't even dare to remove the fender yet.. Still, it's a lot of fun to work on your motorcycle yourself. At least, that's what we think.
It creates a deeper bond between you and your steel horse. It's fun, interesting, and quickly saves you a lot of euros if you can do a few things yourself. Just start simple with the basics to keep your motorcycle in top condition, and you'll see for yourself that this will always make you look beyond the obvious. And who knows what treasures you might come across along the way...
Below we mention 10 essential topics that you can easily do at home to keep your pet in the best condition:
- Handling and Stability,low pressure has an extreme effect on cornering. The tire deforms during steering and reduces stability.
- Increased wear, due to low tire pressure you have more contact with the road surface with the tire, which leads to irregular wear and excessive wear.
- Increased fuel consumption , yes even your fuel gauge doesn't like it.. A soft tire causes high "rolling resistance" which makes the engine use more fuel to maintain the same speed.
What excessive tire pressure can cause:
- Poor Grip Level: the contact surface between the tire and the road is smaller, which results in less grip, especially on wet or slippery roads.
- Driving comfort: hard tires affect driving comfort in the sense that they feel quite hard. Due to speed bumps, bumps, etc., you get a slightly higher pitch each time..
2. Chain maintenance: We have already discussed this point in a previous article, but we will mention it again. The chain is what transfers your power to the rear wheel.
Dirt, sand, and the like can affect efficiency and thus cause power loss. Keep your chain clean and well lubricated with The-Lube then you reduce friction, ensure a clean line between the block and rear wheel, and also save the lifespan of your chain. Which can quickly cost around €200.
3. Oil change: This is a point you can look at in two ways. Do you put on your brave shoes and tackle it yourself with a YouTube video on your lap? Or do you leave it safely to the garage?
The choice is of course yours, but the principle remains the same. Naturally, your motorcycle has been equipped from the factory with a nice indicator that shows when it wants a fresh drink. However, we always recommend changing your oil well before that.
Especially under heavy load, the oil is also stressed more quickly. This can significantly reduce its lubricating and protective properties. On short trips, you often experience condensation and earlier contamination. This can quickly pollute the oil with water and acids. Let's not go down that path.
At the same time, you are well ahead of any chance of "sludge." This can even lead to serious engine damage... Yikes... Here's a nice example from our Automotive colleagues; a BMW has an oil interval of 30,000 km, a Toyota 15,000 km.
I don't think we need to tell you which one is known for its reliability, etc.
The market is different, the principle is the same.
5. Cleaning and Polishing the Motorcycle: Washing and polishing your motorcycle brings you closer to the parts and materials. This way, you are more likely to notice if something is wrong, such as screws that are almost loose or, for example, a leaking oil seal. In addition, your motorcycle will then be in the best condition, as it should be. Protection is not only for the heart, called the engine, but certainly also for your fairing. Stay in love with your motorcycle, polish it regularly and thoroughly!
Click HERE for all your cleaning products.
6. Checking Lighting and Indicators: After washing, it's a perfect moment to check if all the lights and indicators are still working. It's safer that way. At the same time, also check if your brake light glows when you press your rear brake.
7. Suspension and Shock Absorbers: Examine your front fork and shock absorber up close.. Make sure you don't see any oil dripping, and just to be sure, run your finger along the side where you can't see it! Over the years, these can sometimes start to leak.
Whether you're hanging your front wheel too much in the air, it's still worth stopping by the garage to have these seals replaced. For the handy folks among us, you can also tackle the job yourself!
8. Checking the brakes: On most motorcycles, and no, often not the Italian ones, you can see the brake pads if you look at your brake pads from the front of the fender. Regularly check if there is still enough "meat" left on your brake pads.
A wise guy saying: Steel on steel also slows down..
Be proactive and replace your brake pads in time. This way, you keep it safe for yourself and your brake discs will also last much longer!
