The relationship between you and your bike is a very complex and intimate one. It is similar to having a relationship with your loved ones. You need to form a connection or bond with your bike, nurture the relationship and take care of it for a long lasting healthy relationship. Similarly in order to maintain proper condition of your bike, it is extremely important to know and understand your bike, take it for regular servicing and regularly check the engine for any serious problems or issues.
The definition of a biker is not limited to just owning a bike, you are considered a true biker only if you take up the responsibilities of maintaining it and carrying out an effective bike care procedure. A lot of aspects of bike care are taken into consideration since it’s an important aspect of riding. Here are some important tips and instructions for improving the shell life of the bike.
Improve your Knowledge on Motorcycles
Learning about your motorcycle and other bikes in general will give you a better understanding about bikes and will help you analyse any problems with the bike and solve it. Every bit of information is useful. This task can be made easier and more enjoyable if you join a motorcycle club where you can socialize and talk to other motorcycle enthusiasts and experienced riders.
Changing Oil
Just like any other vehicle, even motorcycles needs regular oil changes. The requirements for an oil change might vary for different bike models. An annual check-up of the motorcycle by a mechanic includes oil change and other essential things. Generally a bike consumes more oil in the summer than in the winters, therefore the oil filters also need to be changed regularly with the oil. The frequency of an oil change in a bike depends on two important aspects:
- How old your bike is
- What kind of oil you are using
Usually, newer bikes tend to be more efficient due to their new engines and latest synthetic oils tend to last longer despite its higher cost. It’s very important to be thorough with your bike manual and not jump into conclusions.
Brake Pads
Brake Pads should be thick and effective. Worn out brake pads can be very hazardous and can lead to accidents, thereby loss of life. They need to be replaced when they wear down to 2 millimeters or less. The level of brake wear depends upon your style of riding and the environment around you. Brake Pads tend to wear out faster in areas where there are a lot of slopes and places where there are frequent stops like traffic infested cities.
Tyres
Maintaining your bike tires is an important aspect of bike care. You should always be on the lookout for any damage like tears, holes and cracks and also check for the tire pressure and tread depth and make sure that they are within the recommended levels. It is always advisable to have a good look at your tires before heading for a long road trip. The tires need to be inflated at the right pressure and always inflate them when the tires are cold. Over inflating tires reduces the distance between the bike and the road which reduces the grip required on the road whereas under inflated tires reduces the stability of the bike which in turn makes handling and braking even harder.
Air Filters
The air filter does the important job of protecting the more delicate internal parts of your engine from airborne dust and other particles that could damage it. However environmental factors make a big difference. If you’re riding in an extremely dusty environment, you may need to clean out your air filter on a weekly basis. Conversely, a rural area without a lot of smog might allow you to space out your filter cleanings significantly. Regardless of the environment around you, don’t forget to take care of your air filter on a regular basis.
Coolant
Your motorcycle’s engine relies on liquid coolant to manage temperature changes smoothly and prevent damage. The coolant needs to be replaced about every two years.Motorcycles use an equal mix of antifreeze and de-ionised water as engine coolant. Always use the radiator hoses to expel unwanted air after replacing your coolant. Refer to your bike manual in order to find what type of coolant should be used for your bike.
Bike Chain
The bike chain needs to stay well-oiled and taught in order to prevent rough gear shifting and excessive mechanical wear. Bike Chins do not require changes so frequently. It is important to check the tension of the chain and while you’re checking chain tension, place a weight similar to a rider on the bike. It’s the pressure the chain experiences when the bike is fully loaded that you need to check.
