How to take care of your bike

Motorcycles are actually quite simple machines. Compared to cars, they have fewer wheels, seats, electronics, or mechanical parts. But when it comes to thinking about motorcycle maintenance, we often feel a kind of anxiety.

Will trying to repair the motorcycle make things worse? How much will it cost? What if something goes wrong on the road? It's not abnormal to have such concerns about the motorcycle you bought with great passion. However, if you gain a good basic understanding of motorcycle maintenance, overcoming these fears will become much easier.

Today, we will go step by step through the care of the motorcycle, how often to replace parts, the problems that can occur due to lack of maintenance, and what to do if your bike suddenly stops, and other details.

Things That Need to Be Replaced or Repaired in a Motorcycle

Some parts of a motorcycle need to be repaired or replaced more frequently than others. We refer to these parts as ""consumables"" or ""bike consumables"":

• Tires
• Brake pads
• Bike fluids (such as engine oil, fuel, etc.)
• Filters, especially oil and air filters
• Chain - this doesn't always need to be replaced, but it should be regularly checked and lubricated

These five things are more prone to wear, damage, or need regular care. Therefore, in any maintenance routine check-up, these items must be checked with extra attention.

Regular Motorcycle Care

There are certain tasks you need to do regularly to maintain your motorcycle. Before heading out, make sure to check your bike following five steps every day. (There will be a link to the daily care blog.)

How often you should maintain your motorcycle depends on the type of bike, how often you use it, and the conditions under which you ride. For example, someone who rides daily will have different maintenance needs than someone who rides occasionally. City bikes require different care than those used on highways. Also, for people who race or stunt, the bike and its care are entirely different.

First, focus on your motorcycle's manual. This is directly the advice of your bike's manufacturer, and it contains all the relevant information and basic maintenance routines for your motorcycle. The manual will mention service intervals based on time or mileage. Keep in mind that these are theoretical figures, and they might vary based on your usage.

For your convenience, we've divided motorcycle maintenance into three categories: daily/weekly, monthly (routine check-up), and annual or periodic maintenance.

Daily/Weekly Motorcycle Maintenance Routine

It only takes a few minutes to inspect the motorcycle before each ride, but a little time and care can save your life! Most of the maintenance tasks can be done by simply inspecting the bike with your eyes. After starting the bike, the engine oil and other fluids need at least 30 seconds to reach their proper place. It's not recommended to twist the throttle during this time. Instead, you can check most of the tasks mentioned below while getting ready with your gloves, helmet, etc. So, no matter how hurried you are, never skip these checks!

Important Daily Motorcycle Maintenance Tasks

• Visually inspect the bike - with a careful look, you can easily notice what's normal and what's not.
• Check tire pressure and keep it at the correct level.
• Check the tire tread for wear.
• Check and clean the chain.
• Check engine oil levels and top up if necessary.
• Check brake pads.
• Check filters.
• Check the battery.
• Clean the motorcycle properly.

Daily or weekly maintenance essentially includes these tasks. If you don't notice any problems, you can safely go ahead with your ride. While riding, always pay attention to the sounds coming from your bike. If you hear clicking, clanking, or any abnormal noise, or if something feels off, immediately pull over in a safe spot and investigate.

Monthly Motorcycle Maintenance/Routine Check-Up

This type of maintenance mainly checks the wear and tear of all bike parts. After this check-up, you may need to adjust the drive chain, refill engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, replace brake pads, oil and air filters, and more. Below are the things you should check:

• Check the brake, clutch, coolant, and engine oil levels. Do this yourself or get help from a mechanic.
• To check the engine oil level, use a dipstick or sight glass. The best time to check is when the bike is upright and the engine is warm. Typically, engine oil needs to be changed every 5,000 miles.
• Check how thick the brake pads are or how much they have worn down. If the pads look thin or uneven, replace both of them because brake pads need to be replaced in pairs.
• Carefully inspect the chain. It's easier if you lift the rear wheel with the stand. Clean the chain if necessary.
• Check the oil and air filters. Write down the mileage when you last replaced the filters, so you can track it without disassembling the bike. Generally, oil filters need to be replaced along with the engine oil. Get help from a mechanic if needed.
• Check all wires to ensure nothing is loose or exposed.
• Lubricate all the parts that can move, including the kickstand, swingarm, and bearings.
• Modern bike batteries are highly reliable and require little maintenance. However, check the battery's connections, corrosion, and charge level if the bike has been unused for a long time.
• Check nuts, bolts, and screws regularly, as vibrations from the bike may loosen them. Make sure everything is tightly secured once a month.
• Check tires carefully. In addition to checking the pressure, use a coin to check the tread depth. Look for any punctures, wear, or debris stuck in the rubber. Most tires last about five years, but they may need to be replaced sooner if they’re driven at high speeds or used for cornering.

Annual/Periodic Maintenance

Most of the tasks mentioned above can be done by yourself. However, there are many more auto parts in the motorcycle that move, and these should be checked at least once a year. For this annual or periodic maintenance, it is recommended to get the bike serviced at a good motorcycle servicing center with a skilled mechanic. Your job is to understand these things well, so you know what the mechanic will be doing.

Engine

• Air Filter: Change the air filter every 10,000 miles or once a year. If you ride on dusty or muddy roads, change it earlier.
• Cam Chain Maintenance: Follow the manual for the recommended time or get it serviced once a year.
• Carburetor: Clean the carburetor every 6 months, and use a carburetor cleaner 2-3 times a year.
• Coolant: If your bike has a radiator, change the coolant every 25,000 miles or 2 years.
• Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter every year, regardless of whether there is dirt or blockages.
• Engine Oil and Filter: For mineral oils, change the oil every 3,000 miles, and for synthetic oil, every 5,000 miles.
• Fuel Injector: Clean the fuel injector every 50,000 miles.
• Valve Adjustment: Check the valves every 30,000-40,000 miles.

Frame/Body

• Bearing Grease Nipples: Grease them once a year.
• Steering Head Bearing: Lubricate it every 15,000-20,000 miles or 2 years.
• Subframe: Check it at least once a year.
• Swing Arm Bearing: Clean and grease every 10,000 miles or once a year.

Motorcycle Parts

• Brakes: Replace brake pads if they are excessively worn.
• Brake Calipers: Check the pistons for wear or leaks every year or every 8,000 miles.
• Brake Fluid: Check brake fluid every 3,000-6,000 miles and replace it every 2 years.
• Brake Line: Some manufacturers suggest changing rubber brake lines every 4 years.
• Drive Chain: Check, lubricate, and adjust it every 1,000 miles.
• Tires: Regularly check the tread depth. Replace them after 5-6 years or if necessary, based on wear.
• Wheel Bearings and Seals: Check them every 10,000 miles or once a year.
• Wheels: Check and adjust the spokes if necessary.

Suspension

• Fork Oil and Seals: Replace them every 15,000 miles or 2 years.
• Rear Suspension Linkage: Service it every 6-12 months or every 8,000 miles.

Electronics

• Battery: For lead-acid batteries, check every 4 weeks and for gel-type batteries, every 12 weeks. Check for corrosion or damage on terminals, clamps, cables, and screws.
• Headlights, Tail Lights, and Indicators: Check them every year or every 8,000 miles.
• Spark Plug: Check it every 4,000-5,000 miles and replace it every 8,000-10,000 miles.
• Wires/ Harness: Check them every 8,000 miles or annually.

Problems That Can Occur If Maintenance Is Not Done on Time

If regular maintenance and self-checking are neglected, several problems can occur with your bike. Often, this can lead to serious accidents. Here are some issues or dangers that can arise from neglecting maintenance:

• Tires: Tires have tread wear indicators. If the wear goes deeper than these marks, your bike's grip will be lost, and the tires will become unbalanced.
• Chain: The chain may stretch with increased speed or acceleration. Dust and dirt will wear down the rollers over time. If the chain becomes too loose and is not adjusted, it may jump off the sprockets, causing the rear wheel to lock.
• Brake Pads: If your brake pads become too thin and are not replaced, you risk brake failure at any moment. The metal backing plates will rub against the disc, causing severe damage.
• Engine Oil: If engine oil is not changed on time, it will get diluted with dirt, and the engine will overheat, lose power, and eventually fail.
• Oil Filter: If the oil filter becomes clogged, engine oil will spoil faster.
• Fuel Filter: Neglecting to clean the fuel filter will cause dirt to accumulate inside the tank, making it difficult for fuel to flow properly.
• Air Filter: If the air filter is clogged with dirt, the engine's combustion will be affected, leading to reduced speed and power loss.

In truth, all the parts in a motorcycle that work in contact with one another must be properly lubricated. Without lubrication, friction causes wear and heat, which can damage everything. If friction continues for a long time, the parts will eventually fail.

What to Do If Your Bike Suddenly Stops?

Even with precautions, problems can arise at any time on the road. Generally, for a bike to run, the following four things must be correct:

• Air
• Fuel
• Spark
• Compression

If your bike suddenly stops, check the following:

• Is there enough fuel in the tank?
• Is the air filter clogged? Is there water in the airbox?
• Is the spark plug in good condition?
• Is the battery in good condition?

If your bike still doesn't start, check for:

• Has the kill switch been accidentally turned on?
• Is the battery connection secure?
• Is there spark in the spark plug?

Do not twist the throttle immediately after starting the bike, as water can enter the engine. After starting the engine, wait for at least 30 seconds to let the bike fluids reach their proper places.

Conclusion

By following a regular motorcycle maintenance routine and learning the tasks on our checklist, your confidence will increase. You won’t need to rush to the mechanic for every small issue, and during emergencies, you’ll be able to stay calm and take action.

Remember, get a full servicing for your bike at least once a year from a skilled mechanic. By learning to fix minor issues yourself, you can save a lot of time and money.

Happy Riding!

Frequently Asked Questions from Customers

How much does motorcycle servicing cost?

The cost varies depending on the bike. Based on your bike’s model, which parts need replacement, and other factors, the cost can be higher or lower. You can calculate the cost based on the price of parts that need to be replaced, service charges at nearby service centers, etc. To find out and compare online servicing costs, visit Bikroy's Auto Services portal.