Riding a motorcycle on the open road is an unmatched experience. The most popular motorized transportation option worldwide is typically the motorcycle or 2-wheel scooter. Globally, approximately 200 million motorcycles are currently in operation, which is significantly less than the nearly 600 million cars. Most of these motorcycles, almost 60%, are located in Asia and the Far East. China and India, in particular, have over 35 million motorcycles and motorized scooters being utilized. In contrast, the car reigns supreme in the United States, with approximately 30% of the world's total number of cars located within its borders. Hero Motocorp, a company headquartered in India, is actually the biggest manufacturer of two-wheel vehicles globally, outpacing even prominent brands like Harley Davidson or Suzuki. Isn't it interesting how this small indication reflects the changing world around us?
Although we lack expertise regarding the role of motorcycles in the culture of other nations, it is evident that in the USA, motorcycles occupy a distinct position in our collective consciousness of popular culture. During the mid-1960s, this location became cemented in pop culture due to the release of films like Easy Rider and Hunter S. Thompson's book detailing the Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Harley Davidson's ability to capture the essence of the motorcycle experience on the open road has contributed significantly to their sales success. Their distinctive marketing approach emphasizes the visual and tactile elements of motorcycle riding. The sound of Harley's engine has been patented by the company. Today in the United States, motorcycle sales hover around 1 million units annually, extending beyond the popularity of Harley Davidson. Nowadays, many individuals are embarking on road trips and enjoying the gentle breeze on their faces.
Although motorcycles and scooters are cost-effective when it comes to fuel consumption and provide an enjoyable experience, they can still be quite pricey. A new car can be easily matched in cost by a high-end motorcycle such as a Harley. Investing a significant amount of money in a pair of wheels is noteworthy. Ensuring the longevity of your motorcycle or scooter requires responsible upkeep in order to continue enjoying it for the long haul.
Professional experts have shared their advice and tips to guide you through the necessary steps for bike maintenance, helping you take care of your bike and allowing it to function at its best for an extended period.
In this article, we'll discuss the various bike components that require frequent maintenance and the reasons behind it. In this discussion, we will cover the appropriate types of fuel for your motorcycle as well as effective methods for storing it.
The owner's manual is a crucial guide to achieving success.
Adhering to the instructions outlined in the owner's manual is often overlooked but can have a significant impact on the longevity and overall satisfaction of owning your motorcycle and even your car. There's a reason why owner's manuals are written. The manufacturer's manual contains valuable advice on critical topics, such as:
Here is a guide on what repairs your vehicle may require, the recommended frequency of service, and the ideal timing for scheduling maintenance.
The kind of oil and essential fluids required for your motorcycle.
There are certain steps that you can take on your own to ensure that your bike is performing at its optimum level.
If you're someone who's interested in DIY and has a mechanical inclination, there are comprehensive manuals available that provide detailed instructions for rebuilding a bike from the ground up. These manuals even include obscure details such as the precise amount of force required to tighten each bolt on the bike.
If you're passionate about bikes or simply want to ensure your motorcycle stays in top condition, owning a copy of your owner's manual and frequently referring to it is crucial. The return on investment is expected to be profitable.
Schedules for Proper Maintenance
It is recommended by manufacturers to service motorcycles at particular time or mileage intervals. To establish a sensible and suitable maintenance schedule, the owner's manual contains a directory of recommended maintenance intervals for both owners and technicians to follow. Proper maintenance can ensure that most motorcycles manufactured after 1980 are reliable. Many riders have been affected negatively by the increased dependability of modern motorcycles. There are some riders who have erroneously assumed that motorcycles are akin to present-day automobiles and necessitate minimal upkeep. Although modern bikes demand less upkeep than their 60's and 70's counterparts, they still necessitate considerably more maintenance than cars.
When you first purchase a motorcycle, it is important to break it in properly. This will not only extend the life of your bike, but also ensure its optimal performance. The process varies depending on the manufacturer and model, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most motorcycles.
First and foremost, avoid over-revving the engine during the first few hundred miles. This means keeping the RPMs below the redline and avoiding sudden acceleration or deceleration. Stick to a moderate speed and vary it slightly to accommodate different riding conditions.
It is also important to change the oil and filter early on in the break-in period, as metal shavings and other debris can accumulate in the engine. Check your owner's manual for the recommended mileage or time frame for this maintenance task.
In addition, be mindful of the brakes and tires during the break-in period. Avoid excessive or sudden braking, and gradually build up to harder stops over time. Similarly, take turns and corners at a reasonable speed to avoid stressing the tires prematurely.
Overall, breaking in your motorcycle properly requires patience and a willingness to take it slow. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines as closely as possible, and don't rush the process. Your patience will be rewarded with a reliable and well-performing bike for years to come.
When you invest in a new bike, you want to ensure it has a solid start in life. This implies that you need to properly "condition" it.
Taking preventative measures now can help avoid bike issues in the future. The specific instructions for this matter will vary based on your bike's manufacturer recommendations, which can be located in the manual. The recommendations for breaking in a motorcycle can vary from being as simple as suggesting "light riding" for the initial hundred miles, to intricate protocols that require riding at specific speeds and engine RPMs for designated periods. These protocols may differ during the first few hundred miles compared to the next thousand miles.
You must follow the instructions stated in your owner's manual. It is necessary for you to do it. Taking action now will prevent future headaches. These guidelines will prevent you from experiencing an unnecessary headache, adding to the existing ones in your life.
The Crucial Step of Changing Essential Oils
It is important to understand that adhering to the recommended oil change timeline is the most effective way to maintain the health of any engine, regardless of the vehicle type. Undoubtedly, this incorporates motorcycles.
Regularly changing the oil of your motorcycle is equally crucial since the engines in these vehicles typically operate at greater speeds and RPMs than those found in cars and trucks. The ideal oil to use can be found in your owner's manual. Additionally, it will indicate the frequency of required changes. Disregard these suggestions at your own risk.
If you delay changing your oil, it will fail to adequately shield the metal components from wear and tear. Keep in mind that oil is composed of additives, including acid neutralizers, that serve to safeguard engine surfaces against harmful contaminants and byproducts of combustion (such as acid and soot) from accumulating. If the duration between changing your oil is prolonged, the additives will eventually wear off, leading to the cessation of engine protection.
Conversely, if you change your oil frequently, you will be wasting your money needlessly. Certainly, you could opt to replace your oil every 500 miles "as a precaution", but would it serve any purpose?
Being excessively careful would simply lead to unnecessary expenditure.
MAINTENANCE OF AIR FILTERS
To sustain the combustion of fuel, an internal combustion engine necessitates a steady inflow of air, which provides the necessary oxygen.
Ensuring a clean air filter is crucial to prevent harmful foreign contaminants and substances from entering your engine through the air supply. When dust, dirt, and particles from the surroundings enter the oil film or stick to metal surfaces, they can cause harm to the valves, cylinder, and internal bearings as abrasives.
Preventing this can be achieved by either cleaning or replacing the air filter. Your owner's manual will dictate the frequency at which you should do it. If you often ride your motorcycle in dusty settings, it's advisable to raise the frequency of your filter replacement. It is evident that a dusty setting accelerates the rate at which your filter becomes congested and clogged.
Improving your gas mileage is also possible by ensuring a clean air filter. Everybody enjoys receiving bonuses. Although it won't increase your mileage significantly, taking proper care of your vehicle can result in a slight improvement in fuel efficiency.
Ride while maintaining composure under pressure.
Proper tire pressure can significantly impact your fuel efficiency and save you money while ensuring optimal riding performance. The points of contact between your vehicle and the road are the tires, which have a significant impact on various aspects of your driving or riding experience. Maintaining the appropriate tire pressure is crucial for achieving optimal fuel efficiency and excellent bike maneuverability. Insufficient tire pressure leads to excessive contact between the tire and the road surface. Excessive drag leads to a drop in your gas mileage. Moreover, it exerts stress on the lateral surfaces of the tires, thereby accelerating the tire's deterioration.
Ensure that you do not ride too close to the ground. However, do not increase the tire pressure excessively high.
Increasing the pressure of your tires can lead to higher fuel efficiency. If you believe more of something is always better because a little of it is good, be cautious not to take it too far. Having excess can cause poor traction on wet roads, leading to hazardous driving conditions. Overinflated tires tend to wear out quicker at the center of the tread as opposed to the sides.
It's not a complicated process – simply use a gauge to check your tire pressure once a week.
Ensure to maintain well-lubricated bearings and inspect your suspension components regularly.
Those who own dirt bikes are accustomed to greasing the wheel bearings as these bikes require ample grease right from the initial purchase. Although street bikes don't have as many exposed bearings as dirt bikes, it's crucial to apply an adequate amount of grease in areas such as suspension linkages. Regularly checking and adhering to greasing routines can extend the durability of these exposed components.
It is recommended to include inspecting crucial bearings for any indications of deterioration in any effective maintenance schedule. Performing this task is crucial since these bearings deteriorate rapidly once they initiate their wearing process. To check the condition of steering stem bearings, lift the front wheels off the ground using a stand and assess the smoothness of the turning motion. If you notice any unusual sensation or excessive movement during this inspection, it could indicate a need for replacement of these bearings.
Inspect the swing arm of your bicycle. The pivot point ought to be secure and devoid of any lateral movement. The front and rear axles are identical. Replacing the bearings is necessary for any performance in these regions.
To sum up, make sure to inspect your bolts and bearings on a routine basis. For a longer lifespan, it is advisable to lubricate them on a regular basis. Furthermore, when reinstalling bolts such as swing arm, linkage or motor mount, it is recommended to apply an anti-seize coating. By giving due consideration to these pivotal components, it is possible to avert more significant problems in the future.
Observing Your Drivetrain
The significance of having clean oil and air filter for your bike's well-being has already been discussed. The drive train, which includes the chain, belt, or shaft, is a crucial element that works alongside these components to power your bicycle's wheel. The availability of one of these depends on the specific model of your bicycle.
Maintaining the health of your drivetrain is a simple yet significant task. Inspect your chain and sprockets for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that there are no damages or splits on your belt. Inspect the shaft housing periodically and apply oil if necessary. Keeping this crucial area well-maintained simply requires monitoring to ensure that sufficient lubrication is present. This shouldn't be disregarded. If your drive train is not functioning correctly, it will prevent you from going anywhere.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
Your battery being dead will prevent you from going anywhere, even if your drive train is in good condition. New batteries discharge gradually, therefore it is your responsibility to increase the overall lifespan of them. You have the option to choose between two types of batteries: a sealed battery and an exposed battery.
You need to inspect the liquid solution inside unsealed batteries periodically. Add more solution if it becomes too low. By doing this, it prevents the internal plates from being exposed and causing the battery to wear out faster than it should. This won't be a concern if you opt for a sealed battery.
Being a Wise Rider
Apart from the basic measures mentioned above to increase the lifespan of your bike, your riding habits play a significant role in prolonging its durability. If a car driver constantly squeals their tires, pops the clutch, and slams on the brakes, their vehicle's lifespan, including the clutch, brakes, and transmission, will drastically decrease. Such a driver will likely have to frequently visit their local mechanic for repairs. Motorcycle riding follows the same principle. If you ride your bike roughly, fail to feather the clutch while shifting or do not back off the throttle at the appropriate time, it will result in rapid wear and tear of your transmission. Similarly, ensuring that you accelerate and brake in a controlled manner can also be beneficial and prevent frequent visits to the repair shop. In today's world, you already have numerous expenses to take care of, and you certainly wouldn't want to add to them by wearing essential bike components out too rapidly.
Essential Steps for Maintaining Your Fuel System.
Ensuring the best performance of your motorcycle relies heavily on the fuel system, which is an internal system that plays a crucial role in delivering the necessary fuel to the appropriate location in the right quantity. This delivery of fuel acts as the lifeblood of your motorcycle. Similar to other components of your bike, the fuel system demands some attention, but it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Its upkeep is primarily preventative.
Achieving the Correct Fuel Mix
Many motorcycle owners tend to neglect the importance of fuel as a preventive maintenance measure. It is essential to keep the fuel filter in mind whenever discussing fuel and fuel systems. Regularly checking the fuel filter for cleanliness and blockages is a prudent measure to take if you own one. It's recommended to ensure that it's clear and looks pristine. It is advisable to replace fuel filters at least after every 2 years. However, you may have to do it before time if you observe any indications of impure fuel. Also, take the opportunity to inspect the fuel lines of the bike for any signs of damage or cracking due to weather. In case of finding any damage, please replace these lines promptly.
In general, gasoline that has not been treated can maintain its optimal combustion properties when stored for up to six months. However, this duration can be significantly shorter if the gasoline has ethanol additives. Exposure to air and light, along with water buildup from the environment, are factors that can contribute to a decline in the quality of gasoline fuels. When the fuel is exposed to air and light, it triggers a chemical process known as oxidation, which leads to the formation of dark deposits on the bottom of the gas can or storage tank, causing the gasoline to discolor. The occurrence of these reactions is accelerated in warmer weather.
One problem with ethanol fuels is their tendency to attract moisture from the air and incorporate it into the fuel. The reason for this is attributed to the inherent chemical properties of ethanol. In the event of sufficient water absorption, the ethanol that has been dissolved may initiate a phenomenon called "phase separation" by separating from the solution.
Due to the fact that the mixture of water and ethanol is denser than gasoline, it settles at the base of the tank after blending with the free ethanol. When encountering such a situation, it is advisable to steer clear of potential complications like degraded octane rating of unused gasoline or drawing a water/ethanol blend into the fuel line instead of gasoline.
Treating the fuel with an additive is the most effective solution to avoid storage problems. For any fuel additive to work efficiently, it should be incorporated while the gasoline is in a suitable condition. It is not possible to restore bad fuel to good condition using any available products in the market. In such cases, the gasoline must be disposed of. Using degraded gasoline in your engine can potentially lead to poor performance at a minimum and, in the worst case scenario, severe engine damage. Adding a quality fuel treatment can significantly increase the lifespan of gasoline, potentially doubling or tripling it, while also enhancing your motorcycle's performance.
In addition, the ethanol present in the majority of gasoline used on roads is extremely corrosive and can gradually erode the aluminum in your carburetor. By adding a high-quality fuel additive to your gasoline, you can create a protective coating for your carburetor and other fuel system components. This coating will safeguard them against any damage caused by the combustion process. It is crucial to remember when your bike is stored for an extended duration of time.
If your bike stays unused, it's consuming your reserve.
Keep in mind that whenever you park your motorcycle for an extended period, make sure to switch off the petcock.
By doing this, the possibility of fuel leakage or carburetor flooding is eliminated. When you switch your petcock setting from "Normal" to "Reserve," the fuel supply comes from a distinct section of the gas tank, typically located at the bottom.
Gasoline in this section of the tank is possibly phase-separated with more significant levels of water, ethanol, foreign matter, and heavy residues, which may have built up over time. What could happen is that when you require your reserve fuel for the first time, your motorcycle may suddenly come to a halt due to the probability of contaminated fuel being sucked into the carburetor or fuel injection system. One way to prevent this issue is by occasionally riding on the reserve setting while having a full tank of fuel. The proportion of good fuel compared to contaminated fuel will be significant enough to limit the issue. With minimal issues, it is probable that you will eliminate any unpleasant fuel remaining in the tank. It implies that when you require your backup, it will perform adequately to cater to your needs.
How to Properly Store Your Motorcycle
To ensure that your motorcycle remains in good condition during long-term storage, it's important to take specific measures that can minimize potential storage-related issues. Here are some recommended steps to take before storing your bicycle. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your motorcycle is in top shape for the next riding season, avoiding any issues and being fully prepared to hit the road.
Replace the oil and filter.
To avoid the freezing of cooling system components, it is important to ensure that a 50 percent antifreeze solution is used when filling the cooling system of a liquid-cooled motorcycle.
Add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline-filled tank. Several choices are available, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Fuel additives that are effective can prevent fuel system components from corrosion, especially due to ethanol, as well as keep the fuel from degrading in storage.
If feasible, drain the carburetor. Alternatively, switch off the fuel petcock and allow the engine to run until it uses up all the fuel in the carburetor and comes to a stop.
To prevent rust in your cylinders, you can add a teaspoon of clean engine oil to each cylinder. This can be done by removing the spark plugs beforehand. Cover the spark plug openings with a cloth, then rotate the engine several times to distribute the oil and provide a layer of protection to the cylinder walls. After you finish this procedure, make sure to replace the spark plugs.
Take out the battery and confirm that it has been completely charged before storing it in a location that is safeguarded against freezing. To avoid discharge and sulfation of the battery, it is recommended that a trickle charger be used once every month while the battery is in storage.
To avoid rusting, it is recommended to lubricate the drive chain of a motorcycle.
To avoid both flat spots and cracks in the sidewall, it is advisable to inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the factory.
Cleanse and polish every painted and chrome component by washing and waxing.
To prevent a scratched finish, it is recommended that the motorcycle be covered to keep dust and grit from settling on the paint. To prevent the collection of moisture on the cover or any painted or chrome surfaces, it is advisable to use a cloth cover.
By adhering to the provided procedures, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering issues while retrieving your stored motorcycle. Additionally, these steps can help retain your motorcycle's appearance and performance level, mirroring its condition before you stored it. When the riding season begins, it will be a pleasant experience.