The Ultimate Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

Reading time: 6 mins

One of the smartest things a motorcyclist can do is maintaining your motorcycle properly and doing it often. Keeping the owner’s manual within arm’s reach is crucial too. In it, you will find how long you can use certain parts of your motorcycle before they need replacement.

Maintaining your motorcycle is a preventive measure to keep it performing optimally. In this article, you’ll learn the ultimate checklist to maintain for your motorcycle thoroughly.

Know that some parts of your motorcycle need daily maintenance while others need to be attended to every other week and month.

Check Your Tires & Wheels

There is no such thing as overdoing it when inspecting your tires. It is one of the crucial steps to maintaining your motorcycle in tip-top shape, and this, in turn, will keep you and others safe.

You should check the cast alloy rims every 2-6 months to look out for bends and cracks on rims. Avoid hammering, heating or bending the rims to shape, it damages the rims even more. Service centres can help check if the motorcycle’s rim is misaligned.

Replace the tyres that have been in use for more than 5 years. Make sure the replacement tires meet the exact specifications recommended by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual. Use a coin to go through the tyre tread to ensure the tires have ample space between the tread. (The more accurate way of checking your tire is to use a treadwear indicator to measure the tyres pressure.) Keep an eye out for any sidewall bubbles or any signs of defect on the tires and get them fixed immediately.

Battery

Batteries manufactured in recent times require little maintenance. But your battery can and will run down. Use a multimeter regularly and check if your battery is between 12.5 to 12.7 volts when the motorcycle is not on. Ensure the terminals have not accumulated dirt or turned loose; clean them with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion. Check the sticker on the battery for how long you should use the battery before you replace it—The rule is usually after 5 years. However, examine the battery after every 1-2 years or 5,000 – 10,000 kilometres.

Brakes

Your brakes are very vital parts of your motorcycle. Ensuring your motorcycle comes to a halt when you hit the brakes can make a huge difference sometimes. Ensure that your braking system is in excellent condition. You need to check them often, at least after every 900km.

To check this, the motorcycle must be lifted off the ground with a lift or a motorcycle stand, spin the wheel, and check the rolling resistance.

You can also hold each side of the wheel and shake it to check for any looseness and signs of warping.

Make sure the brakes levers work and have normal pressure. If they aren’t, the brakes might need bleeding. Many pads come with a line that shows when it is time to change them. Our advice is not to wait till the brakes pads wear so close to the metal before you finally replace them. Buy brake pads with the exact specifications as the previous ones (Make sure you buy from reputable shops. This is very important.)

Fluids

Checking on your oils and liquids depends on how often you ride. If you ride it regularly, then check it frequently. If you ride it less often, then check it before you ride. Ensure your motorcycle is standing upright so you can get an accurate measurement. The cooling system, brakes, engine, clutch all need liquid to provide pressure or lubricate. Check-in with your manual to know how often you should change out the oil or top up the oil. Running out of fluids like the braking fluids can be an enormous problem, or insufficient cooling liquid can cause components in your motorcycle to overheat and become damaged in the process.

Chains

Inspect and oil the chains on your motorcycle frequently. The chain of the motorcycle is a good indicator of how well it is maintained. Lubing up your chain from time to time is ideal; you can also use kerosene or a degreaser to clean old grease that has accumulated dirt and causes the link to freeze or become damaged before reapplying the new chain lube.

For frequent riders, clean and re-lube your motorcycle after every seven days, and for infrequent riders, do this at least two times a month.

Filters

A dirty and clogged air filter will cause your engine to overwork and underperform. If the filter is dirty enough, your motorcycle can go off right in the middle of wherever. You need to swap out your air filter after every 5,000km. New air filters are affordable. If you’d rather wash your air filter: clean it in kerosene, then coat it lightly with engine oil. Make sure you dry out the filter before installing it. Change out the fuel filters after 25,000km.

Spark Plugs

Ensure you replace your spark plugs after every 5,000 to 15,000 kilometres—this depends on the type of spark your motorcycle’s engine requires. Spark plugs are part of your motorcycle ignition system so take care inspecting for any sign of a crack, corrosion, and replace the bad spark plugs immediately.

Controls and Cables

Be sure your clutch and throttle are hinged properly. Be sure the cables are lubricated well. Replace the worn-out cables immediately.

Turn the handlebar from side to side and observe for any cable interference or strain.

Clean Your Motorcycle

Do not use dish soap to wash your motorcycle; it damages the exterior of your beloved vehicle. Soap might seep into the engines and corrode some parts of the engine. Use soaps made for washing automobiles. They are easier on the exterior. Washing your motorcycle is also a great time to do a thorough check on your bike; you might notice something out of order that needs attention.

Final Thoughts

Remember to tighten all loose nuts and bolt properly; it does not take more than a few minutes. Maintaining your motorcycle might seem like a lot of work, but it makes all the difference on performing your motorcycle and for your safety. Remember to take your motorcycle to the mechanic for its check and maintenance every 6 months.

One more thing. You cannot be too careful, that is why we advise buying motorcycle insurance. It is mandatory in Singapore and a step in protecting yourself and those around you.

Safe riding out there!

If you are looking for motorcycle insurance, DirectAsia is the best choice. With a customer satisfaction rating of more than 90%, you can expect nothing but great service from us. 

The post Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist | Motorbike Inspection Checklist appeared first on Car, Motorcycle & Travel Insurance Blog | DirectAsia Insurance Singapore.

View the full article