Education: UTI

Motorcycle Maintenance

According to How Stuff Works, motorcycles can get as much as 85 miles per gallon making them a money-saving alternative to the gas hungry car; but to maximize savings owners should not overlook maintenance.

Personally seeing to a bike's most basic needs can mean avoiding unpleasant repair bills from a professional mechanic. Here are a few tips:

Battery

Battery malfunction is one of the most common reasons for a motorcycle being off the road. It is important to check the electrolyte level at least once a month, and be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when topping up in a well-ventilated area.

Use distilled or de-ionized water only as minerals in tap water can cause damage. Afterwards, test with a hydrometer. Also, remember to keep the battery fully charged.

Oil

Regular oil changes keep a motorcycle running smoothly. Check the level every 2,500-5,000km, making sure the bike is level and the oil cold. Fill to the max, but not beyond.

Change the filter with every oil change, especially if using low quality filters. Change the oil more often in high temps, on long trips, or if you frequently drive at high speeds.

Tires

Tire damage, another common motorcycle problem, is easy to keep in check. Tire pressure should be checked as often as every full refueling, and they are best checked when cold. It's a good idea to keep a pressure gauge in the bike tool-kit.

Under-inflated tires age more rapidly and cause excessive heat that can contribute to blow-outs. A thread depth of 1-2mm means it's time to replace.

A motorcycle belongs on the road, and a little maintenance can go a long way in steering it clear of repairs.

Sources:

How Stuff Works.com

Motorcycle Cruiser.com

TotalMotorcyle.com

Visi.com