DIY Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
Owning a motorcycle gives you the freedom to ride wherever you like at any time. Whether you want to cruise through town and run errands, use your bike to improve your work commute or go on a long-distance trip, your motorcycle is reliably there for you.
However, if you don’t do your part to maintain your bike between visits to the shop, it will soon fall into disrepair and you’ll start to see problems like low tire pressure, pooling fluids, squeaky brakes and poor handling. All of these issues can be dangerous if left unchecked and they make your motorcycle significantly less enjoyable to ride. That’s why it’s so essential to know how to perform your own maintenance at home!
This list of do-it-yourself motorcycle maintenance tips comes to you courtesy of the staff at St. Charles Harley-Davidson®. We’re happy to provide the information you need to keep your bike in great shape.
Tires
Your bike’s tires hold up the weight of the vehicle and keep you balanced, so it’s vital that they are in good condition at all times. Never ride on bad tires! Even if you think you can get another trip out of a set that’s balding or can’t maintain pressure, don’t do it. You could suffer a blowout that puts you in jeopardy.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire, airing them up to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. If you find that your tires are wearing down at different levels, you may need to contact the St. Charles Harley-Davidson service department so we can properly align your tires, since they may be unbalanced.
While you’re down there, examine the sidewalls and tread. The treads need to have depth to them; if they’re bald or worn, you’ll need new wheels. There should also be no cracks or breaks in the rubber on the sidewalls. Make sure that there are no embedded objects like nails or blades in your tires, too.
Oil
Just like you check and maintain the oil in your passenger car or truck, so should you maintain the oil on your motorcycle. Remove the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert it and remove it again to check the color and consistency. Translucent oil that flows freely is in good condition, so you can simply top it off and move on to the next task. Sludge or opacity both mean you’re due for an oil change.
Make sure you change the oil filter at the same time that you change the oil. If you see metallic filings in the oil, immediately bring your bike in for professional maintenance, since this is a sign that engine parts are grinding together, which is dangerous.
Chains, Shafts & Belts
The engine of your motorcycle delivers all the power you need to go as fast as you want to without struggling to manage your bike. It can’t do this if its constituent parts are worn down or in disrepair. You'll need to check the tightness of the chains and belts to make sure they’re a little slack without being loose. Lubricating your chains and belts will help to keep them clean and functional.
Fuel
Use the right fuel for your engine type. While ethanol fuel is common at many gas stations to lower costs, it’s not always great for motorcycles, particularly if you’re planning to store yours for a while. If you ride infrequently, you should use high-octane fuels that won’t break down and corrode the inside of your fuel tank.
Check the fuel filter to make sure it’s clean enough to filter out particulates. If you hear strange noises or feel your engine struggle to turn over, the filter may be clogged and need replacing.
This guide should help you to repair your motorcycle and keep it in good working order for every summer ride. If you have maintenance concerns and want the help of a professional, contact our service department so our seasoned mechanics can get you back on the road.
Visit our location in St. Charles to check out our full inventory of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. St. Charles Harley-Davidson proudly serves the greater St. Louis metro area, including the cities of St. Peters and O’Fallon, MO.