Maintenance Made Simple: Essential Care Tips for Your Used Motorcycle

Maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning a motorcycle. When you purchase a used bike, you must ensure it is safe to ride. Many people cannot wait to take their motorcycle out when the weather is nice, but personally checking the bike before each ride is essential. Taking the time to complete specific steps before each ride and several times throughout the year will pay off in the long run. The odds of needing roadside assistance or waiting for someone to pick up the bike and give you a ride home decrease significantly when you follow these maintenance tips.

Why Perform Routine Maintenance?

A motorcycle that is routinely maintained performs efficiently and smoothly. You will keep repair costs down by completing these tasks. Furthermore, regular maintenance helps improve the motorcycle’s fuel efficiency and extend its lifespan. You can enjoy each ride knowing you are at little risk of the bike breaking down. Which maintenance tasks should you complete?

Read the Owner’s Manual

What maintenance do motorcycles require? The answer depends on the bike. Every owner should read the manual for their used bike. You may have owned motorcycles before and believe you can skip this step. Don’t! The manual provides information on the type of oil to use, the normal amount of chain slack for that model, and the recommended tire pressure. It informs you when the spark plugs, air filter, and brake fluid should be changed, among other things. This simple step can save you time and money while reducing the risk of the bike breaking down during a ride

Inspect the Bike Before Each Ride

Never get on the bike and take off without inspecting it for potential problems. Every ride puts wear and tear on the bike, increasing the odds of a breakdown. Regular inspections enable you to identify and correct issues promptly, ensuring optimal performance. Not only does this reduce the risk of the bike malfunctioning and possibly resulting in an accident, but it also saves you money, as repairs cost less when problems are detected early.

 

When completing this inspection, look for oil and dirt around the fork lowers, as these are signs of a failed fork seal. Investigate any drip under the bike to learn whether the fluid is oil, fuel, or coolant. Check all moving parts and pivot points to ensure they

remain in excellent riding shape, and don’t overlook the kickstand pivots, suspension linkages, and swingarm.

Use the Right Oil

Don’t use car engine oil in your motorcycle. Car engine oil comes with friction modifiers. When you use it in a bike, the clutch will slip, and the plates will wear out rapidly. Select an oil with a JASO MA or MA2 rating and refer to the manual to determine the required viscosity.

 

Change the oil at least once each year, preferably at the start of the season. Doing so ensures you aren’t running the bike with contaminated oil. If you typically ride the bike locally, going only short distances on each trip, consider this when determining when to change the oil. Short rides lead to increased heat cycling and moisture condensation. Oil breaks down faster under these conditions, so you may need to change your oil more frequently.

Check the Coolant Level

Every motorcycle needs coolant to prevent problems. Check the coolant level while the engine is cold and add a motorcycle-approved coolant if required. Never use straight water. Furthermore, replace the coolant every two years, as it degrades over time. Letting the coolant run low in a liquid-cooled bike can lead to warped cylinders, which no owner wants. Always check the coolant level before a long ride and inspect the radiator hoses to confirm they aren’t cracked or leaking.

Regularly Test the Battery

When storing the bike for an extended period, connect the battery to a maintenance charger. Before you take the bike out for the first time, fully charge the battery, as you don’t want to strand yourself during the first ride of the year. A battery tester or multimeter should be a part of every toolkit, making it easy to check the battery’s health. If these tools aren’t available, pay attention to how easily the battery cranks the engine. If it struggles, consider replacing the battery. Replace batteries every five years or so.

 

Check the terminals regularly to ensure they aren’t corroded. Clean them as needed. When doing so, confirm the battery is mounted tightly. Vibrations while riding can reduce the battery's lifespan. If the bike is taking longer to crank or you notice the dash lights are flickering, test the battery. You probably need to replace it.

Inspect the Fuses

Inspecting the fuses should also be a part of regular bike maintenance. Simply remove each fuse to ensure the curved metal strip inside remains intact. If this strip is broken, it's time to replace the fuse. Always carry spare fuses when riding to resolve any issues promptly and get back on the road.

Tires

People often don’t give much thought to their motorcycle tires, which can be a costly mistake. They assume the tires are in good condition because they aren’t that old. While age plays a role in the condition, many other factors are of greater importance. Examine the tires regularly for cracks, excessive hardening, or dry rot. These problems aren’t common if you ride the bike regularly, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t a possibility.

 

Check the wear bar before each ride to confirm it isn’t flush with the tire’s surface. If it is, it’s time for a new tire. Inspect the tread depth at the center of the tire to ensure it remains adequate.

 

While examining the tires, don’t overlook the wheel bearings. Grab each tire firmly with one hand on each side of the wheel. Shake the tire to check for excessive play, which is a sign that the wheel bearings need to be replaced. If the wheel feels tight, spin it to ensure it rolls smoothly.

 

Tire pressure is also of importance. If the tires are low, the bike will feel sluggish in corners. It also won’t be as stable when you are riding at high speeds, and the tires won’t wear evenly. Invest in a digital tire pressure gauge, as it is more accurate than an analog version. Check the tire pressure at least once a week and before every long ride. The tires should be cold when checking the pressure. Inflate them to the PSI recommended on the swingarm or in the manual.

Examine the Drive Chain or Belt

When rotating the rear wheel, inspect the drive belt or chain for wear. If you do not find any damage, clean the chain using a solvent and brush before lubricating it. Use an alignment tool to ensure the chain is in the correct place, and check the chain tension using a gauge. The manual provides the required specifications. If the chain is too tight, it puts additional stress on the drivetrain. When it is too loose, the chain could derail.

 

The drive belt should not be cracked or show signs of wear, and it should not have stray cords. If the belt appears glazed or you notice chunked-out teeth, it’s time for a replacement. Otherwise, you could be stranded or have an accident. Complete this process by ensuring the belt tension matches the recommendation in the owner’s manual.

 

After inspecting and cleaning the drive chain, apply chain lube. Rotate the wheel while doing so to ensure you reach all parts. Allow the chain lube to sit for ten minutes and ensure you don’t overdo it. Over-lubing can lead to gunk build-up on the chain. If the chain has kinks or tight spots after completing this process, consider replacing it. Furthermore, if you hear loud grinding or whirring noises while riding, stop the bike and inspect the chain and sprockets, as they are likely damaged.

Test the Brakes

Lift the bike and rotate the tires to check for warped rotors. Feel the rotor surface to ensure it isn’t scored, and look for visible glazing. Light surface rust is typical if the bike has been sitting idle, and it will disappear once the brakes are applied. You may also use brake cleaner to remove this rust. Deep grooves and warping are signs that the rotors require replacement.

 

Inspect the pads for even wear before measuring the depth of the pad material. The owner’s manual provides information about the minimum acceptable amount of depth. However, don’t wait until the pads reach this minimum. Replace them before they reach this low level to avoid damaging the rotors or compromising the bike’s stopping ability. If the manual isn’t readily available, change the brake pads when they have two or three millimeters of material remaining. Any less and the rotors may be harmed.

 

Examine the brake lines to ensure they remain intact. Rubber brake lines have a short lifespan, so they may need to be replaced after five or ten years. Stainless steel lines not only last longer, but also improve brake feel and control. Know when to change the brake fluid, as specified in the owner’s manual, and consider your riding habits. If you ride hard or regularly visit the track, you may need to change it more often than recommended.

Bike Controls

Before every ride, test the clutch and throttle to ensure they operate smoothly. If they don’t, use cable lube and a tool to adjust the push and pull cables. Aim for a slight amount of slack before the throttle begins to open. It should return to the idle position

independently. If lubricating the controls doesn’t help, there may be interference from the throttle tube or lever that must be addressed. If the cables aren’t properly routed, this could also lead to binding. Always replace worn cables immediately to avoid problems.

Filter Changes

Filters must be changed regularly for optimal bike operation. Use a new oil filter every time you change the oil, and replace the air filter according to the schedule outlined in the owner’s manual. Fuel filters must also be replaced. Refer to the manual to determine if a petcock fuel screen or fuel pump pickup needs to be changed as well.

Wash the Bike Regularly

The easiest way to spot problems with your bike is to wash it regularly. It’s easy to spot signs of wear or loose components as you clean the motorcycle, and there won’t be any need to worry about grime hiding leaks and other potential issues.

 

Avoid using a pressure washer to clean the bike, as the high-pressure jets can direct water into the electronics or airbox, potentially causing harm. Use a soap designed for motorcycles, as the soap you use to clean your car can strip the wax or harm sensitive surfaces. Always follow up by drying the bike, particularly the brake system, chain, and underneath the seat. A microfiber towel is ideal for this purpose. Complete this process by lubricating the chain and checking the brakes to ensure that water hasn’t entered the system, as this water could compromise the bike’s stopping power.

Model-Specific Problems

Certain bikes are prone to specific problems. Harley-Davidson Sportster owners should watch for oil leaks, while Kawasaki Ninja 250s often experience carburetor issues. Fuel pump issues are frequently encountered with the Suzuki GSX-R750, and owners of the Honda CBR600RR should be aware of electrical problems that can affect the wiring harness or rectifier. Knowing common issues for different models is helpful when diagnosing a problem with your bike.

Seasonal Maintenance

Specific tasks should be completed with the changing of the seasons. Before taking the bike out for the first time each year, ensure it has sufficient coolant to prevent

overheating. As the temperature rises outdoors, lubricate the chain more frequently to account for the increased dust.

 

As winter approaches, consider using a fuel stabilizer before storing the bike. Invest in a battery maintainer to prevent the battery from draining. Finally, cover the bike or store it in an enclosed location to prevent moisture and dust from harming it.

Keep a Maintenance Log

Always keep a maintenance log to ensure that no tasks are overlooked. Many people use apps today, but you can also purchase a notebook to track when you complete specific tasks. Write down every oil change, the date it was completed, and the type of oil used. Note each chain cleaning and lubrication, and record the date when you replace the battery or change the brake pads. Include information about tire replacements and air pressure checks. If the bike begins acting up, you can review this information and see if you missed a maintenance task. When the time comes to sell or trade in the bike, you will find that this maintenance log also enhances its resale value.

When to call a Mechanic

Specific tasks are best left to the professionals. Have a professional handle any valve clearance adjustments, as a mistake could lead to the need for a new engine. Always have a trained mechanic change the fork oil or seal, as these tasks require specialized tools and must be reassembled correctly to ensure proper functioning. Consult trained professionals for major engine work and have them address any issues with the ABS or ECU to prevent costly repairs. Have a professional inspection every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to ensure nothing is overlooked and potential problems are addressed early.

 

Inspect the bike before every ride to catch potential problems. Complete routine maintenance tasks monthly to reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure your rides are smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Complete all maintenance tasks before taking your bike out for the first time each year, and adequately prepare the bike for winter. Owners who do so find that the time they spend maintaining the motorcycle allows them to derive more enjoyment from each ride. Additionally, the bike lasts longer and performs better. Every ride will be fun, as you won’t need to worry about the bike breaking down