Bike Tune-Up Tips

Bike Tune-Up Tips

Modern bikes require less maintenance than they did in the '60s and '70s, but they still demand a lot more attention than the average car. Unfortunately,
too many motorcyclists out there aren't aware of how much maintenance a
bike needs to keep it running safely and reliably, and wouldn't know
where to begin when it comes to working on one.

As a motorcyclist, you should be able to perform at least basic maintenance on your bike, because the more care you give it, the longer it's going
to last. Performing general maintenance will also help you learn to
spot potential problems with your bike before they arise. Here are some
tips to help you keep your bike in tip-top shape:

Tip: Keep a low-pressure tire gauge (0psi-80psi) in your bike tool bag at all times. Try to remember to check your tire pressure every time you
fill up for gas.

Keep your tires correctly inflated. A tire that is significantly under-inflated generates a lot of heat, which can lead to a blow out. Tires that run too hot also wear out more
quickly. The most common motorcycle breakdown is for tire damage.

Purchase a pencil-type tire gauge and use it regularly until you instinctively "know" what your tires feel like when they're correctly inflated. Use
of the gauge—and your visual inspections—must become second nature.

Replace your tires sooner rather than later. If tread depth is 1-2mm, it's time to replace your tires. Take a tip from the mad sportbikers and the
canyon racers—they never skimp on their tires as they are often all
that stands between them and the pearly gates.

Tip: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and becomes less effective. Replace brake fluid every one to two years for optimal brake
performance.

Motorcycles have up to two brake fluid reservoirs: one for the front, usually found on the handlebars, and one for the back. Both should be checked regularly. Topping off the
reservoirs should only be done from a new, sealed bottle, as brake
fluid tends to absorb moisture over time. Warning: brake fluid, if
spilled on paint, will eat right through to the bare metal.

Also, check the thickness of your brake pads. If you allow the pads to wear down to the metal, your brake disc will be damaged, resulting in an
expensive—and unnecessary—replacement.

Finally, fitting braided steel brake lines will increase the performance of your brakes by roughly 50%.

Tip: Lube your chain after each ride when the chain is warm. This allows the oil to easily soak in and get into all of the chain's tight spots.

Chains, sprockets, shaft drives and belts are essential to the well-being of your bike. If not well maintained, you will end up spending a lot of
money all too often to have them replaced.

Chains: Lubricate chains often with a commercial chain spray (do this every time you fill up with gas, or at the end of each ride). Spray liberally
on the side of the chain that comes into contact with the sprockets.
Ensure that you spray both the left- and right-hand sides of the chain.
To keep the wheel rim clean, cover it with a piece of newspaper as you
spray. Use a second piece of newspaper on the floor to catch any drips.
Wait five or 10 minutes before you wipe all excess oil off the chain.
The process is much easier if your bike has a center stand. Spinning
the back tire will ensure that the rest of the chain is lubricated when
it comes into contact with the sprocket and pinion. This is a task that
is best done when you return home from your ride, while the chain is
still warm.

Keep in mind that bike chains are never taut. They must be able to sag between 3/4" and 1 1/4" at the mid-point between the two sprockets. The sag is used when the bike suspension
moves up and down over uneven surfaces.

Shaft Drives: Even though shaft drives require little maintenance, it's good practice to replace the shaft drive oil every time you change the engine oil on
your motorcycle.

Belt Drives: As with shaft drives, belts do not require a lot of maintenance. Every time you change the oil on your motorcycle, check the belt tension and adjust if necessary, and
make sure your belt is always clean.

Tip: Check your fuel filter on a regular basis and replace it every two years.

Fuel is quite often overlooked as a form of preventative maintenance on a motorcycle.

Check the fuel filter (if you have one) to make sure it is not clogged and looks clean and clear. Replace fuel filters every two years.

Check the fuel lines for weather damage and cracking, and replace immediately if any damage is found.

Generally, untreated gas is only good for six months. After that, the gas starts to break down. Dispose of untreated gas older than six months rather
than risk the damage it could cause to your bike. Treated gas can last
up to two years.

Remember, when parking your motorcycle for any length of time, turn the petcock (fuel tap) to the off position. This prevents any fuel from potentially leaking out and
flooding the carburetor or the engine.

Tip: Check your oil level before you ride, when the engine is cold. If it is not at its high or "max" level, top it off before going out.

Regular oil and filter changes will help keep your bike running like new.

Make sure you regularly check and keep your oil level at its high or "max" level. It is best to check your oil level when your bike is in a level
position (preferably on its center stand). Low oil levels can be
disastrous to your bike, while filling over the limit may flood your
air cleaner with oil.

Here are some pointers regarding oil which are true for most motorcycles:

• The bike should be level as possible.
• The oil level should be inspected while the engine is cold and is therefore best done before you go out on a ride.
• Be careful not to allow foreign matter and dirt to fall into the oil tank during the inspection process.
• With threaded dipsticks, do not screw the dipstick in when taking a reading—just allow it to rest on the lowest thread.
• High temperatures, time, speed, heavy traffic, short trips and dust quickly destroy the quality of your oil. Change your oil more frequently if you
  ride in these conditions.
• Change your oil every 1,250 to 2,500 miles, or three to six months, whichever comes first.
• Change your oil filter every other oil change if you are using a good quality oil filter. If not, every oil change!
• Motorcycles can and do use the same oils as cars, although special synthetic motorcycle oils are available. Always use the recommended oil weight
  for your motorcycle (e.g., 10W40 or 20W50). Older (15+ year old)
  motorcycles run best on regular (non-synthetic oil), while new bikes
  like either.

Tip: Check the fluid levels in each battery chamber. If any chamber is low, carefully top it off. Use only distilled or deionized water, NEVER tap
water. Tap water has minerals in it that will harm the battery.

Battery wear is a very common cause of motorcycle breakdowns. Unfortunately, they are awkward to get to and therefore do not get checked as often as
they should.

A battery only requires minimal monthly maintenance to continue performing perfectly. Keep the battery charged to 100%, making a point to recharge when the lights appear dim, the
starter sounds weak or the battery hasn't been used in more than two
weeks. Other than that, follow this simple checklist every month:

• Check the electrolyte level.
• Top off only with distilled or deionized water (wear gloves and protective glasses, top off in a well ventilated area and beware of fumes).
• Keep the top of the battery free of grime.
• Check the cables, clamps and case for obvious damage or loose connections.
• Clean terminals and connectors as necessary.
• Check inside for excessive sediment, sulfation or mossing.
• Make sure the exhaust tube is free of kinks and clogs.
• Replace caps firmly.
• Finish up by testing the battery with either a hydrometer or voltmeter. To extend the service life of your battery, make monthly battery
  maintenance a part of your routine.