Keeping Your Motorcycle in Top Condition

Any type of vehicle you own requires maintenance and care to keep it in good working order and motorbikes in particular require special attention as their working parts are exposed to far more environmental damage than other forms of motor vehicles, therefore once you have driven it off the lot of your local Yamaha motor bike dealer you need to know how to maintain it.

Keeping your motorbike clean is one of the best ways to avoid excess wear and tear, here are some beginners tips to help your care for your motorbike:

Washing
It might seem obvious but washing your bike regularly will have a huge impact on the long term condition of the bike, particularly if it has been exposed to road works, sea salt or mud. At the least a hose down should be given to remove the majority of debris.

Wheel Cleaning
It goes without saying that keeping your wheels in tip top condition have a huge impact on the quality of ride from your bike along with, of course, your safety. Thoroughly removing road debris and corrosive materials with a non-acidic cleaner will help keep these important parts in top working order.

Paint Care
How your motorbike looks has no bearing on whether it’s reliable and is enjoyable to ride, it does however have a bearing about how you feel about it and also on the resale value. Keeping your paintwork in top notch condition is an investment in your future return on the sale price.

Chrome and Metal
Like the paintwork on your bike the chrome and metal parts have a huge impact on the visual appeal of your Yamaha motor bike, however as these are also working part of the bike it’s important to clean and maintain them to a high standard to ensure no corrosive damage can occur.

Leather
Taking good care of your leather seat along with your leather riding gear will not only provide the finishing touch to the visual appeal and therefore value of your motorbike but also the longevity of these items. Riding gear is a big investment and taking time to care for it will provide you with years of comfortable riding.

Engine and Chain
Caring for your engine and the chain are the most important things, a chain that is not in good condition and well maintained can cause an accident. Make regular inspections of the chain to ensure it is well lubricated and that the tension is correct. This should be conducted every 600kms or sooner if in excess mud, and carry out repairs or remedial work as soon as you see something to ensure continued safe riding.

As with a car, a motorcycle requires certain maintenance to keep it running in tip top condition. Maintenance is a crucial factor in keeping your motorcycle riding a safe and fun experience. The upkeep of your motorcycle plays a huge part in the longevity of your ride. Try these basic tips to help continue the use of your motorcycle for many miles.

Check your fuses and bolts. You want to make sure that all of your fuses are in good working condition and that you don’t have any that are blown. It is also a good idea to keep spare fuses around in the event that something does happen to them. Bolts have a tendency to become less fitting over time; you want to make sure they are secured well.

You are going to want to keep up with oil changes on a schedule. Depending on the type of oil that you are using check with your mechanic to confirm how often you should have your oil changed.

Clean or change your air filter about once a month. Air filters can become very dirty extremely quickly, especially if you are doing a lot of riding, this could largely affect the way that your bike runs.

Check your battery terminal and wires. Over time corrosion tends to build up in this area and could cause your motorcycle to run ineffectively or not at all. Wires also tend to get loose or frayed, so make sure that they are in good working order.

Make sure all of your cables are well lubricated to ensure a smoother drive.

Check your tire pressure and add air as needed. If you do not have enough air, or even if you have too much air in your tires your motorcycle will not handle correctly, and after time the repetitive motion of the uneven tires will cause great damage to your bike.

Although you may not always feel like taking your bike in to get serviced, it will save you a lot of money on repairs in the end and you will have a well running machine to take you on your next adventure.

By following these, easy to follow maintenance tip, you can extend the life of your bike and create a safer riding experience. You should also document your maintenance measures so you can show your insurance agent and if you ever decide to sell your motorcycle anyone that may be interested will feel good about buying a well maintained motorcycle. Your insurance agent may be able to get you a better insurance rate if they know you are responsible and safe.