Arizona Tribune - How to Maintain a Motorcycle for a Great Joy Ride

Regular maintenance not only extends the bike's life but could also help avoid costly repairs. Whether purchased outright or through motorcycle loans, riders should try to ensure their investment lasts.

Here are key maintenance tips to keep a motorcycle running at its best:

Get regular oil changes

Just like a car, a motorcycle's engine relies on clean oil to keep its running smoothly. Oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps prevent premature wear and tear. However, over time and use, oil breaks down and collects dirt, making it less effective, increasing the risk of engine damage.

Check the owner's manual to see how often the oil needs changing, but a good rule of thumb is every 2,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the type of oil used.

Riders who frequently take long trips or ride in extreme weather may need more frequent oil changes. 

Change the air filter

A motorcycle's air filter keeps dirt and debris from entering the engine. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and overall performance. Checking and replacing the air filter regularly helps optimize the engine's performance.

Some air filters can be cleaned and reused, while others need to be replaced entirely.

Riders who travel on dusty roads or in high-traffic areas should consider inspecting their air filters more often to prevent buildup.

Inspect parts regularly

A well-maintained motorcycle is generally a safe motorcycle. Riders should routinely inspect key components to ensure everything is working properly, including:

Tires

Check for proper inflation and tread wear. Worn-out tires could lead to dangerous handling issues. Properly inflated tires with good tread improve traction and stability, especially in wet or uneven conditions.

Brakes

Look at brake pads, discs and fluid levels. If braking feels weak, it may be time for a replacement or refill. Squeaky or grinding brakes indicate that the pads need to be replaced to maintain stopping power.

If your brake pads wear down to the metal, they could ruin your brake disc, leading to an expensive repair.

Pro tip: Consider installing braided steel brake lines, which could boost your brake performance by about 50%.

Lighting

Headlights, brake lights and turn signals should all work properly to ensure visibility on the road. Regularly inspect all lights and replace burnt-out bulbs to stay safe, especially when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Exhaust

With the exhaust, watch for rust, leaks, or any unusual sounds that might indicate a problem. Loose fittings or excessive noise could be signs that the exhaust system needs maintenance.

Tune the engine

Tuning your motorcycle generally means making small changes to improve how it runs. This can include minor adjustments, changing fluids, checking valve clearances and doing regular maintenance. These simple tweaks often don't take too long but could make a big difference in your bike's performance and how long it lasts.

Keep the battery in mind

A good battery is a key part that starts a motorcycle and keeps the electrical parts working. A motorcycle battery can last between three to five years on average, depending on use and maintenance. Keeping the battery charged and clean could extend its lifespan.

Check it often for any signs of corrosion, and make sure the connections are clean and secure. If the bike sits for a while, keep the battery charged to extend its life.

Pro tip: If the bike sits unused for long periods, using a battery tender or trickle charger will prevent it from draining completely.

Maintain motorcycle engine coolant

Coolant prevents the engine from overheating, especially in hot weather or long rides. Riders should check coolant levels regularly and top them off if they're low.

Most manufacturers recommend flushing and replacing coolant every two years to maintain efficiency.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride

Proper motorcycle maintenance should ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Riders should also wear the right protective gear, including a helmet, gloves and appropriate clothing. Following traffic laws and staying alert on the road may also help joy riders avoid accidents.

By taking care of essential maintenance tasks, motorcycle owners could enjoy countless miles of smooth riding. Whether cruising through city streets or feeling the wind on the open road, a well-maintained bike makes all the difference.

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OneMain Financial is the leader in offering nonprime customers responsible access to credit and is dedicated to improving the financial well-being of hardworking Americans.

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
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Job Title: Manager

SOURCE: OneMain Financial

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

O.Gutierrez--AT