Motorcycle maintenance can cost up to $1,000 a year. Most of this money goes towards the labor costs associated with paying a mechanic. Motorcycle engine maintenance is not as complicated as it seems; some things are easy to take care of yourself.
Check out these five engine maintenance tips for motorcyclists for more ways to keep your bike in tip-top shape.
1. Clean the Drive Chain
The drive chain moves power from the engine to the back wheel, and it’s essential for safe riding. You should keep your drive chain clean and lubed up. Clean and lube the change if it’s especially dirty or according to the owner’s manual mileage recommendations.
To access the drive chain, put the transmission in neutral and elevate the rear wheel. Use a brush to get any dirt off the chain. It’s best to lube a clean chain while it’s still warm from use.
2. Oil Change
Regular oil changes are an important part of motorcycle engine maintenance. Although it is not a complicated task, changing your oil is messy. Make sure you have a drain pan. You can use tinfoil around the engine and exhaust section to prevent drippage.
Before changing your oil, run the engine for 5-10 minutes. Warm oil will drain out of the engine much easier.
3. Check the Fuel Filter
Regularly checking and cleaning the fuel filter will extend the life of your bike and reduce the risk of a motorcycle injury. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, find more about motorcycle accident attorneys here.
Every once in a while, check your fuel filter. It should be clean and unclogged. If you find the filter is dirty, clean it with solvent cleaner. While you’re at it, check the fuel lines for cracks and leaks.
4. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can’t do its job of keeping dirt and debris from getting into your engine. Getting to the air filter can be time-consuming, but your engine will thank you.
Remove the gas tank or other parts to get to the air filter. If the air filter isn’t too old, you can get away with cleaning it. An old or filthy air filter needs to be replaced.
5. Change the Coolant
Coolant is a crucial component of motorcycle safety. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating, freezing, or corroding. Changing your coolant is as simple as changing your oil.
First, find the coolant drain bolt. This may require removing certain parts. Remove the drain bolt and the radiator cap and allow the coolant to drain completely into a drain pan. Replace the bolt and refill the coolant.
The Joys of DIY Motorcycle Engine Maintenance
DIY motorcycle engine maintenance saves you money and will keep you safer in the long run. There’s nothing like spending an afternoon in the garage working on your motorcycle. From changing the oil or coolant to cleaning the air filter, working on your bike is a lot of fun!
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