Welcome to Motorcycles Guide
Search Motorcycle Accessories Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Motorcycle Maintenance - A Basic Guide
from: By: James HunabanHere we have a few things you should check on your motorcycle on a regular basis. I assume you have a handbook with the specs for your bike, if not, go get one. You may be able to find some data for your particular motorcycle on the net. You can also pick up workshop manuals for various models on eBay in PDF or CD form for little money.
Whereas with a four wheeled vehicle you may get away with being lax with things like tire pressures etc, this is not the case with a motorcycle. You should not risk compromising the safety and stability of your motorcycle, for the sake of a bit of routine maintenance.
Pre-ride check
* Tires - check condition and for foreign objects in the tread.
* Tire pressures - it is vitally important to keep your motorcycles tire pressures either on spec or very close to it.
* Oil level - always check with the bike on level ground.
* Coolant level - only if your bike's liquid cooled, obviously.
* Chain - check the tension and make sure it's well lubed.
* Brakes - check they work and that they feel good.
* Lights - check all your lights, especially the brake light, you
don't want to get rear ended, do you?
* Visual inspection - self explanatory.
* All ok - hit the road.
Periodical checks
* Check battery - see that the connections are tight; I dropped a bike once because of a loose battery connection, strange but true. Also check the electrolyte level on some batteries, a lot of newer batteries are gel filled, sealed for life types, so no need with these.
*Carb balance - if your bike is multi carbed get yourself a Morgan carbtune or similar. It can be a little tricky the first time you balance them, but when you've done it once, the second time will be easy.
*Ignition timing - only necessary on some bikes, most newer models have electronic ignition which does not need touching, normally.
*Valve clearances - unless you're a good home mechanic, take it to a dealer.
*Wheel bearings - grab each wheel with it off the ground and see if there is any sideways play. There should be none or maybe a trace at most.
*Steering head bearings - with the front end off the ground, grab the forks and push and pull. There should be no play.
*Swinging arm bearings - with the back wheel off the ground, check for any sideways movement in the swingarm, there should be none.
*Brakes - check fluid levels, brake hoses for deterioration, and pads/shoes for thickness.
*Cables and levers - should operate smoothly. Get some grease on lever/pedal pivot points, and get some lube down the cables, if you can. A cable oiler is a handy tool.
*Nut and bolts - go all round the motorcycle with your spanners and check that all nuts/ bolts/screws are nice and tight.
Well, that's about it for some basic maintenance, obviously, unless you're a good home mechanic, any bigger jobs will have to go to a dealer. The problem can be finding a good one with skilled mechanics you can trust. I manage to keep my Yamaha Fazer 1000 running sweet just using the steps listed above. It does help that this model only needs the valve clearances checking every 26,000 miles.
About the author: James Hunaban is the owner of www.motorcycling-news.com/ a site full of Motorcycle information.
For more motorcycle articles visit: http://www.motorcycle-articles.com
Search Motorcycle Accessories News
Motus Reveals West Coast Dealers, Plans for Americade, Job Opening - Bikeland
Motus Reveals West Coast Dealers, Plans for Americade, Job Opening Bikeland Both are exhilarating, charismatic machines powered by the mighty V4 Baby Block engines and both are offered with various accessories and upgrade options. “California Speed-Sports is looking forward to this exciting partnership with Motus Motorcycles. |
eBay Motors Launches Parts Compatibility in Motorcycles - Auctionbytes
 Auctionbytes | eBay Motors Launches Parts Compatibility in Motorcycles Auctionbytes Listing with parts compatibility also helps get your relevant items in front of buyers via search - both on eBay and via off-site search engines like Google and Yahoo." Parts Compatibility functionality is already available in two motorcycle ... |
Motorcycles are passion, career for Staunton man - Staunton News Leader
Motorcycles are passion, career for Staunton man Staunton News Leader He currently works in parts sales at Shenandoah Harley Davidson in Staunton. "Part of what Motorcycle Technology School does for graduates is search out possible job openings in your area. That's how I heard about this job in Staunton. |
AltRider Engine Protection Bars: Well Executed Protection for the BMW K 1600 ... - Motorcyclist Magazine (blog)
 Motorcyclist Magazine (blog) | AltRider Engine Protection Bars: Well Executed Protection for the BMW K 1600 ... Motorcyclist Magazine (blog) Motorcycle accessory designer and manufacturer, AltRider, also known for its top-notch design, has recently released protection bars for the bike. The AltRider design integrates unique features, such as the 1 inch stainless steel tube connection, ... |
Woman charged with stealing from home she had previously stayed - Delco News Network
Woman charged with stealing from home she had previously stayed Delco News Network Coffin was able to obtain the registration on the motorcycle. A search warrant was served at Green's apartment on April 27 where police found many motorcycle parts, accessories, and clothing. He first denied being involved in the chase but then ... |
Mill Valley shooting suspect due in court - Marinscope Community Newspapers
Mill Valley shooting suspect due in court Marinscope Community Newspapers He identified the motorcycle as a 1980s Honda street bike, and noticed the helmet had “Bilit” written on the front and back. The detective, familiar with motorcycle accessories, knew this brand is sold mainly online and at Cycle Gear stores. |
BULLETIN BOARD: May 9 - Wicked Local
BULLETIN BOARD: May 9 Wicked Local To find out more about the Moose fraternity, call the Plymouth Moose Lodge at 508-224-2276 or visit www.plymouthmooselodge.org. The Manomet Mystery Riders, a family-oriented motorcycle club, meets Sundays and Thursdays (weather permitting) for rides to ... |