The Do’s and Don’ts of motorcycle maintenance
Maintaining your motorcycle’s agility, structure, and fuel capabilities are crucial to experiencing your bike’s full power, whether you’re on the highway, country roads, or simply commuting through town. The safety and longevity of your bike are dependent on the frequency and accuracy of maintenance conducted, whether you’re an experienced mechanic, frequent a local auto body shop, or bring your bike directly to the manufacturer for repairs.
Regular check-ups are essential to keeping your motorcycle running and keeping you safe. While each bike is unique and may require its own specific maintenance routine, it is nonetheless vital to keeping its longevity.
When it comes to motorcycle maintenance, these do’s and don’ts will help ensure you’re making the most of your bike.
Do: Use a Motorcycle-Friendly Soap
One of the first steps to taking optimal care of your bike is to ensure it’s appropriately washed and polished, and this is equally as important for Yamaha bikes and motorcycles as it is for other popular brands. Automotive soaps are designed for car and bike surfaces from the paint to their metal parts and won’t leave residue or create any damage.
Don’t: Powerwash Your Bike
When you use a power washer on your Yamaha or any reputable motorcycle, excess water can easily find its way into the wheel bearings and create permanent damage. While power washing may work for RVs or trucks, it’s best to use gentler measures on your motorcycle to ensure it’s safely maintained.
Do: Routinely Check Your Oil Levels
Oil maintenance is a crucial part of keeping your bike running smoothly. Routine oil changes should be conducted after approximately every seven to 10 thousand miles. Some riders prefer to bring their bike in for oil changes, while others are able to perform this service on their own.
For DIY riders, it’s important to run the engine for at least five minutes to warm it up, which allows the oil’s viscosity to lower and drain more effectively. Using a drain pan, the oil should be released without the oil filter in place. It’s important to keep the engine or exhaust covered to protect it from oil splashes and stains. From there, a new oil filter can be inserted as well as any removed parts.
Don’t: Perform an Oil Change While Your Bike is on its Kickstand
Allowing your motorcycle to remain on its kickstand while changing the oil is a common mistake that should be avoided at all costs. When the bike is on an angle, it’s easy to receive an inaccurate reading that could cause you to add more oil than necessary which can increase pressure levels and cause significant problems in the long run. Keeping your bike level will help ensure you get the most accurate reading.
Do: Maintain Tire Pressure
Accurate tire pressure ensures you’re as safe as possible on the road. If your tire is experiencing significant wear and tear or is slowly deflating, it’s time to replace your tires for something stable. Proper motorcycle tire pressure and tension will ensure your bike’s longevity.
Don’t: Swap Motorcycle Tires for Car Tires
It’s important to understand car and motorcycle tires aren’t interchangeable. They’re designed for different purposes and have different traction capabilities. Attempting to swap them out can cause significant damage to the bike and put your own safety at risk.
