Simple Motorcycle Maintenance to do on your own
by Pooja Late so cutYOU DON'T have to have the mechanical know-how of a
MotoGP technician to perform simple home-servicing tasks; some decent tools and
a little common sense are all you need to keep your bike in tip-top shape.
Ideally, get hold of a workshop manual for your
machine for a better understanding of how each task should be carried out. Most
will give pictures detailing each part of the process; a good manual will also
list the tools you'll need to complete the job. Find yours here.
Tools are like knives to a chef; using good ones is
half the battle. Save the under-seat tool-kit for roadside emergencies and
invest in quality for home maintenance.
If you're lacking mechanical confidence, ask someone
more experienced to help.
TIRES
When was the last time you checked your bike's tire
pressures? It should be done weekly, but many of us forget or don't bother with
what is a crucial element of bike set-up. Under-inflated tyres affect handling
and braking, as the lack of pressure means the tire wall isn't firm enough to
properly cope with the forces on it. Over-inflation can reduce the size of the
contact patch on the road, affecting grip. Use a quality pressure gauge to
accurately check the pressures. Consult the manual for the correct pressures.
Remember, your tires may need more pressure if you regularly ride with a
pillion passenger. Always check pressures when the tires are cold.
CHAIN TENSION
INCORRECT chain tension can make for premature
sprocket and gearbox wear, rough gear-shifts and snatchy transmission. It can
also reduce rear suspension travel and limit the life of the drive chain. Check
your workshop manual for how to adjust your bike's chain to the correct
tension. Remember to set the tension with some load on the bike (preferably
with someone on it) as the chain will tighten up once a rider's on-board. Refer
to the owner's manual for the correct torque settings for each bolt - that's
how much force to use when retightening. You'll need a good torque wrench to do
this properly. Remember to also lubricate the chain while you're at it, as this
will prolong its life.
BATTERY
MOST BATTERIES are situated beneath a bike's seat or
petrol tank, so it's hardly surprising many get overlooked when it comes to
routine maintenance. When a battery becomes much discharged, it usually means
the end of its life, so routine checks should be made on its condition. Ideally,
remove the battery from its holder before carrying out any work. Remember,
batteries contain strong acid, which can be harmful if it comes into contact
with your skin.
Check the acid level in your battery by placing it on
a level surface. If the level's low then top up with de-ionised water before
placing the battery on charge, using a car or motorcycle charger. Remember not
to overfill, as acid will drain out the overflow pipe when you're on the move.
Many modern batteries are sealed, so you won't be able to top them up. Greasing
your battery terminals before replacing it in the bike will help avoid
corrosion. Just remember not to touch both terminals at the same time.
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Created on May 18th 2018 02:20. Viewed 306 times.