Best Motorcycle Maintenance Practices

Motorcycle riding is such an intense sport that, over time, it puts a lot of stress on specific components of your bike. If you don’t stay on top of maintenance, you might find yourself stranded with some busted parts, or even worse, your motorcycle will wear down much faster than you want it to. You should try to get the most out of your bike, so this guide from BMW Motorcycles® of North Dallas will explain the essential duties of every motorcycle rider. 

If you don’t feel comfortable performing some of these tasks, or if you need more advanced maintenance, our service team can help!

Transmission System

To deliver power from the engine to the pavement, your motorcycle utilizes chains, belts, or a drive shaft to distribute the torque effectively. Whatever component your bike relies on, it connects to the rear wheel, and you’ll want to keep this part in good shape. If it’s a chain, make sure you lubricate it on a regular basis using a spray lubricant. Belt-driven motorcycles are a little easier, as you just have to inspect them for frays or tears. As for drive shafts, they’re virtually maintenance-free, but no matter what system you have, you should bring them into the shop every once in a while for thorough inspections.

Brakes

Motorcycles rely on two braking systems: one in the front and one in the rear and each one has a reservoir for brake fluid. This is very important for your bike’s functionality, so you’ll need to check the fluid to make sure it’s filled up to the marker. When it starts running low, either bring it into our service department or buy some new brake fluid and top it off. Any time you do this yourself, make sure you’re buying fluid that’s compatible with the specific make and model of your motorcycle, which should be listed in the owner’s manual.

Tire Care

A motorcycle only has two tires to contact the pavement and hold you stable. That means that a blown-out tire could easily cause an accident, so as a rider, you’ll need to be much more diligent with tire care. Before every ride, check the pressure on both tires. You can do this with a simple tire pressure gauge, which doesn’t cost that much money and can save you a lot of trouble. 

If the tire pressure is low, get your bike to a service station and fill it back up to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Along with pressure, make sure you’re looking at the overall quality of the tires. There shouldn’t be any lumps, punctures, or cuts, but get your tires replaced if you notice these issues arise. Also, remember that motorcycle tires don’t typically last longer than a year if you ride frequently, so feel free to bring it in for a replacement when you notice the tread starting to wear too low.

Fluids 

Oil and coolant are essential for keeping your engine healthy. The oil prevents grinding between parts, while coolant keeps your engine at the right temperature. You don’t want to avoid a simple task like oil and coolant inspections, only to lead to severe engine damage, so make sure you’re looking at these about once a week. They should both be at the proper levels, so top them off when they run low, and also change your oil after it starts getting too thick or dark.

Motorcycle maintenance doesn't have to be complicated! When you keep up with regular inspections and utilize our service team for support, your bike can perform well for many years to come. Visit us in Plano, TX, for your next appointment. We proudly serve Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth.