Did you just purchase a brand new motorcycle for the summer season? While riding motorcycles are completely fun and exciting, there are a lot of responsibilities associated with the riding process. To ensure your safety you can`t just jump on your bike and start riding, you need to ensure that the brakes are working properly, as well as ensuring you have enough air in the tires. Unfortunately, these aren`t all the responsibilities that come along with riding a motorcycle. So, how can you ensure that your motorcycle is always up to the task at hand? Below, you will find a checklist that will help you ensure that your bike is ready for the upcoming season.
Motorcycle Brakes
Motorcycles brakes are extremely similar to that or a car or van. However, since a motorcycle is such a smaller vehicle it makes the process much easier. In fact, it only takes one qualified individual to change and bleed the brakes. With a little bit of research and studies you will find that you can reach the bleeder screw and the brake at the same time. You literally don`t need someone inside the vehicle to compress the brakes pedal, while you bleed it out.
That being said, you do need to realize that the front and back brake systems are completely independent of each other. This means that the front system has a master cylinder and the back brake system has a separate master cylinder. During the bleeding process, you will need to ensure that the appropriate cylinder is filled with enough brake fluid to complete the process. The front brake master cylinder should be located somewhere near the handlebars, whereas the rear brake master cylinder will be located right below the seat. While you are checking the fluid or changing the fluid, it will be imperative to check the pads well. Just keep in mind that the pads of a motorcycle are much thinner than that of a car.
Choosing A Proper Lift
If you are like most children you probably set a lot of fires in your childhood. From this experience you should have learned that in order to produce a successful fire you need oxygen, fuel, and spark. Well, in order to properly work on your motorcycle, you need the best motorcycle lift table. A lift will not only enable you to safely get up under the motorcycle, but it will be required for several simple maintenance tasks. This is why choosing the appropriate lift is essential for ensuring the integrity of your bike. Make sure that the lift will not only secure your motorcycle properly, but also make sure that it is listed for the correct weight and length.
Understanding The Drive Chain
You will notice that motorcycles have a chain that is somewhat similar to the design of a bicycle. Of course, a motorcycle chain is thicker and much more important, but the concept is virtually the same. One of the best ways to ensure the integrity of the chain is to make sure that it is well lubricated and tightened to the correct requirements. The chain will stretch over time, which could eventually result in physical harm to the rider. The owner`s manual will list all the specifications and information that you need about tightening the chain to the desired limit. The main concept is to make sure that there isn`t any slack or it will fly off during operation.
Routine Oil Changes
Regardless, if you are a professional dirt bike rider or just an average motorcyclist, you will need to frequently change the engine oil. This oil plays a major role in keeping the gears and engine lubricated, while maximizing the power of the engine. As one of the most expensive and vital parts of a motorcycle, the engine converts one type of energy into what is known as mechanical energy.
The engine is comprised of cylinders, valves, a carburetor and crankshaft. All of these components work together to make sure the engine is working efficiently and properly. But, without engine oil this would not be possible. It is recommended to change your motorcycle oil every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Synthetic motor oils only need to be changed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.
Routine Spark Plug Replacement
Spark plugs are responsible for providing a spark that ignites the fuel stored in the cylinders. When the spark plugs are not working properly, they will not produce that much-needed spark to get your motorcycle started. Signs of worn sparks plugs include roughly idling and misfiring engine, as well as high fuel consumption. It is recommended to change spark plugs when they can no longer main a precise gap, which is around 100,000 miles. However, you should inspect your spark plugs at least every 30,000 miles.
