Top motorcycle maintenance tips

Taking good care of your motorcycle plays a big role in keeping you safe on the road. With nothing to cushion the impact between you and the road, safety precautions are a top priority. Regular upkeep not only protects you from mechanical failures but also improves your bike’s performance and lifespan. Whether you ride daily or seasonally, following motorcycle care tips helps ensure a smoother, safer experience.

Besides the necessary motorcycle upkeep, such as keeping your bike clean and rust-free, doing a walk-around before each ride can go a long way toward your protection. If an accident does occur, a Smyrna, TN motorcycle accident lawyer from Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can provide trusted support and representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Maintenance tips for motorcycles​ every rider should follow

Below you’ll find a motorcycle maintenance checklist to ensure you are safe out on the road.

Maintain the life of your battery to keep your motorcycle running smoothly

Your motorcycle’s battery is integral to its operation. Just like a car, it needs proper care. A healthy battery ensures your bike starts reliably, especially during colder months or long periods of inactivity.

Your motorcycle battery maintenance routine should include ensuring the battery is charged and has plenty of fluids. During the winter months or other periods of extended inactivity, the battery should be removed from the bike, properly stored, and kept at a temperature of at least 32 degrees. To prevent your battery from completely draining, it’s important to charge it periodically and prioritize motorcycle service regularly.

Service your brakes regularly

Brakes are an extremely important part of a motorcycle. Your motorcycle’s braking system consists of brake lines, calipers, brake pads, discs or drums, and brake fluid. With the speeds a motorcycle can sustain and the quick response time needed to stop, you must monitor your brakes closely to ensure they are replaced or fixed during regular motorcycle servicing, and before the parts become compromised.

Not only is it important to replace the parts themselves, but it’s also important to flush the brake lines and replace the fluid periodically, as well. A properly functioning brake system could be the difference between a close call and a catastrophic crash.

Closely monitor your wheels and tires for signs of damage

Wheels and tires are essential to your motorcycle and its ability to reach your destination. These parts require constant monitoring, as a variety of issues can arise, from a flat tire to a puncture to a blown tire.

You should perform frequent checks as the weather and driving conditions change to ensure that your tires are inflated properly, have enough tread, and have the right tires. You should also make sure that your tires are not overloaded and that you don’t have any damage, punctures, or leaks. Maintaining proper tire pressure and inspecting for damage helps prevent sudden blowouts or loss of traction on the road.

Clean your motorcycle chain frequently

Your motorcycle chain conducts power from the engine to the back wheel, making it very important to the functioning of your bike.

To make sure your motorcycle remains operable, it is important to follow these motorcycle chain maintenance tips on a regular basis. Your motorcycle chain should be cleaned regularly with a cleaning solution, a brush, a rag, water, and lubricant. These steps ensure that dirt, grime, and rust are removed from your chain, and it receives the proper fluids to keep it in working condition.

Failing to maintain the chain can lead to decreased performance or sudden failure, especially during long rides.

Replace all oil, fluids, and filters regularly

It’s important to regularly replace oil, fluids, and filters. These components are vital to keeping motorcycle parts lubricated, cooled, and receiving the proper airflow.

Each element will break down over time and build up unwanted residue and debris, affecting other essential parts of the motorcycle. Without sufficient oil or the right fluids and oil filter, you could be at risk of an accident during your ride.

Check your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals based on your riding conditions and mileage.

Check your suspension for signs of damage

Your bike’s suspension system plays a significant role in the stability of your bike and takes the brunt of the impact from bumps in the road. You should maintain your motorcycle’s suspension to ensure you do not get pitched from your bike due to poor shock absorption and instability. The suspension system should be checked and cleaned periodically to ensure the various components function correctly.

Signs of suspension problems include leaking fluid, uneven tire wear, or a bouncy ride. Don’t ignore these red flags.

Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers provide trusted support after a motorcycle accident

At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we understand that the aftermath of an accident can significantly disrupt a motorcyclist’s life. On top of that, you could suffer motorcyclist bias from insurance company representatives or juries if you file a personal injury lawsuit. Whether the crash was caused by another driver, maintenance issues, or defective motorcycle parts, our firm is ready to walk beside you and reduce your stress while getting you results.

Contact us online or call our office directly at (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll arrange a time to meet with you at one of our offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Chattanooga, whichever location is most convenient for you.