Tips to Maintain Your Motorcycle

By Hemalatha Gangadharan  |   Submitted On November 05, 2015

Love your bike and want to keep it in mint condition? You can easily do it by following a few maintenance tips.
Tyres

• Regularly check the tyres for scratches, cuts and embedded stones
• Check if the air pressure in the tyre is correct
• Periodically check the tire alignment

Brakes

• Make sure the brakes are not too tight or lose
• Replace worn-out brake pads if you consistently hear the screeching sound
• Make sure that the brake fluid is at the correct level
• Periodically check to see if any dirt or grime is accumulated in the brake shoe

Spark Plug

• Once in a while you should check if the spark plug is working fine
• Remove the spark plug and wipe the area
• Dip it in a little kerosene or petrol and then wipe it with a clean cloth
• Check if the electrodes are clean and properly connected
• Reinstall it
• Replace corroded or damaged spark plugs immediately

Battery

• Regularly inspect battery terminals and remove sediments or dirt build-up
• Use a brush to remove the dirt and sediments
• Check if the fuse is working properly
• See if there are any leaks in the battery
• If you have a distilled water battery, then you should change the water once in two months
• Disposable batteries are easy to use and don't require much maintenance. But you should not use it once it's life time is over

Headlights/Taillights

• Wipe the headlights and tail lights with a clean cloth everyday
• You can do the same thing for indicators and brake lights too
• Switch on the light and check the beam aim and light brightness
• If light beam is misaligned, have it repaired immediately
• Replace cracked tail lights and indicators immediately

Horn

• Check if horn wires are properly connected
• Wipe it with a dry cloth everyday

Engine Oil

• Regularly check the level of engine oil
• Replace engine oil after the prescribed kilometres

Air Filter

• If the air filter is made of paper, simply tap it to dislodge the accumulated dust
• If the air filter is made of foam, you should wash it in solvent and dry it before fixing it again

Drive chain

• The slack in the drive chain changes from bike to bike. Check the slack level in your bike manual and ensure that the level is maintained at all times
• Adjust the drive chain using the rear axle nut and swing arm
• Check wheel alignment before you tighten the nut
• Make sure that the chain is properly lubricated so the movement is smooth

Clutch

• Check the cable connected to the clutch for any loose connections
• Adjust it using threaded adjuster and locknut

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hemalatha_Gangadharan/905950