So you've taken delivery of that dream bike? Fantastic: you'll likely save money on
gas, parking, and repairs. But before you ride off into the sunset, plan a
regular maintenance routine that will help ensure you'll be riding that bike
for years to come.
Create a Check-Up Checklist
Developing a motorcycle maintenance checklist can help you
avoid costly (and unnecessary) repairs and potential safety issues. It's also a
good idea to become familiar with your bike's owner's manual as maintenance
requirements can vary between models. If you don't have the owner's manual,
you'll likely find it available online.
Check these features regularly:
Tires: Stay aware of the tread depth and look for unusual
wear patterns. Always make sure they're at the correct pressure; under-inflated
tires are prone to blowouts and over-inflated tires wear more quickly. Read our post on Tire wear here.
Oil: Check the level every week or so and top it off if
necessary. Changing your oil is a simple, cheap way to keep your bike in good
shape. If your bike is older or you ride it regularly for long distances,
you'll need to change your oil more often. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but
it makes the need for changes less frequent. Refer to your owner's manual for
info on how often to change your bike's oil and the recommended grade of oil.
Lights and signals: Check your headlights, brake lights,
high and low beams, and turn signals regularly. Since they won't necessarily
show wear—and can actually just quit working suddenly—set up a reminder. The
last thing you want is to be stranded because your lights stopped working.
Battery: Examine your battery and cables for corrosion or
loose connections. Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the
connections, then scrub with a household toothbrush. Use a voltmeter to test
the battery and a charger if it's depleted. You don't want to be caught out in
the cold—literally—with a bike that won't start.
Brakes: Keep an eye on brake pad thickness and brake fluid
level. When brake pads wear thin, your ability to stop quickly and efficiently
is compromised. Top off low brake fluid to the "full" mark or change
it according to your owner's manual instructions.
Chain: Use a commercial spray to lubricate the chain
liberally and often, especially if you're riding your bike every day. Dryness
causes friction that can lead to poor performance or, worse yet, a chain that
breaks while you're riding.
Fuel: Examine the fuel lines, keeping an eye out for leaks
or other damage.
Oil, air, and fuel filters: Regularly check them to maintain
optimal engine performance and efficiency. Your owner's manual will provide
replacement intervals.
Steering: Check and tighten your handlebars and the steering
nut. Turn the bars to make sure your steering feels smooth and tight and
replace the bearings if the steering feels loose in any way.
Schedule a Yearly Tune-Up
Even the most dedicated gearhead should take the bike to a shop for service every once in a while. A professional mechanic is trained to
spot potential hazards you may have overlooked. Especially if your bike's been
stored away for a while.
Make Sure You're Really Geared Up
Proper riding gear cannot be over-emphasized. For starters, you'll need a
DOT or Snell-certified helmet, full eye protection, heavy-duty leathers,
over-the-ankle riding boots, and full-fingered leather gloves. Retail shops abound within the Lagos metropolis.
Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
Staying on top of your maintenance checklist will go a long
way toward keeping your bike in top condition. But breakdowns are
unpredictable, so be sure to carry a motorcycle repair and tire inflation kit
in your storage pouch.
Download the Bikers of Lagos Motorcycle preventive maintenance checklist here.
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