1. Check tyres for wear and tear.
As motorcycles are much more agile than cars, motorcycle tyres can wear out at a higher rate than car tyres do. Check the condition of your tyres regularly. Look for things such as cuts, missing chunks of rubber and the tyre pressure. Investing in your own quality gauge will be helpful. This will allow for an accurate reading each time. Inflate tyres whenever needed, and buy new tyres when needed. Also, be sure to invest in a quality motorcycle carrier to safely transport your bike
2. Oil
No engine, no matter how impressive, will function without oil. Make sure to check the oil levels regularly and top up whenever you need to. Also take note of how often the oil does need to be topped up. Usually you will only need to do this once a month. If you are topping up oil more often than this, you have a mechanical issue that will need to be checked out.
3. Brake fluid and brake pads.
Brake fluid is easily checked via the windows or indicators on the brake fluid reservoirs for the front and rear brakes. When you are checking the levels, make sure to also check the cleanliness of the fluid. Fluid will usually be clear, amber or green. If your fluid is looking black, or a dirty grey colour it will need to be changed. When you check the brake fluid also check the brake pads. This is a quick task and will help avoid having to replace brake discs, that can become damaged from worn out brake pads. You will need a torch and a close up look at the brake pads, but the effort is worth avoiding a costly replacement of discs down the track.
4. Lights and indicators
This is another quick task that can help a more expensive situation down the track, as having a broken rear brake light can lead to being hit by a much bigger vehicle from behind. Make sure to check the front brake lever and the rear brake pedal separately to pinpoint any bulbs or fuses that may need replacing. Do this check weekly.
5. Levers, controls, foot pegs and foot controls.
All hand controls should operate smoothly, with the throttle snapping back briskly when opened and released. Dry control cables and lever pivots can increase wear and tear. Add some lubricant to cables and pivots to keep them in optimal working order. Also adjust your controls if they need it. Foot pegs can take a beating, being so close to the ground, so make sure to check these regularly. Check that the foot pedal controls pivot easily without binding or squeaking. Again, adding some lubricant here can help keep the foot controls in top condition.
Follow these 5 best tips to keep your machine in optimal working order that will allow you to cruise your favourite roads while feeling safe and secure.
