DIY Motorcycle Maintenance
Performing maintenance might seem as though it belongs solely to the realm of the seasoned mechanic in his well-stocked shop. However, if you took your Harley-Davidson® bike to the shop for every single little repair, you’d soon find yourself with an empty wallet and much less time on your hands!
The truth is that any motorcyclist worth their salt can easily perform plenty of DIY motorcycle maintenance tasks on their own at home. All you’ll need is to have the right tools on hand and a list of things to look for.
This guide to do-it-yourself bike maintenance comes to you courtesy of your bike-loving friends at Barnes Harley-Davidson® Victoria, your local motorcycle dealer serving British Columbia. Follow this list and you’ll be able to tune up your bike in your own garage and feel proud of the accomplishment!
Tires
The two wheels of your bike are what holds it up, so it’s vital that they remain in good condition. Never ride on bad tires! Always take the time to check the tire pressure with a gauge like the one you keep in your car’s glove compartment. Make sure to air each tire up to the manufacturer’s specified psi level.
While you’re down there, look at each tire’s tread. You want it to be sufficiently deep to grip the ground while you ride. Bald spots or uneven wear signify it’s time to invest in a new set. Also check for embedded objects, which can cause unexpected flat tires.
Brakes
Staying in control of your bike is impossible without a good set of brakes! There are front and rear brake reservoirs that you should refill with brake fluid when they display low levels. Inspect each brake pad to make sure that they’re wearing evenly and are still smooth. If, while you’re riding, you notice shaking or grinding when you apply the brakes, this may require a professional’s attention.
Fuel
A clean fuel filter will allow your bike to function smoothly. Clogged filters reduce the power that gets to your motorcycle. This might be reflected in an engine that takes a while to start or strange sounds that aren’t explained by any other part. Using the right, high-octane fuel is also important, since ethanol fuels can become corrosive if left in the tank for too long.
Oil
Your passenger car or truck requires plenty of clean oil to keep its engine running smoothly. Your motorcycle is no different!
To check the oil, remove the dipstick, wipe it off with a clean cloth or paper towel, reinsert it into the reservoir and remove it again. Check both the color and consistency. If your oil is clear and runny, you’re good to go! Simply top off the levels and ensure the cap is secured. If, however, you have opaque, sludgy oil, you’re overdue for an oil change. Change the filter at the same time.
See any metal shavings in the oil? This is a huge problem and should be addressed by a professional mechanic since it means parts of your engine are grinding together as you ride.
We hope this guide helps you to perform the basics of do-it-yourself motorcycle maintenance. Seeking motorcycles for sale near Duncan? Stop by our dealership in Victoria, BC, to check out our available collection of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. We provide financing options to help you get the bike you want! You can also contact our parts and service departments if you need some further assistance with motorcycle maintenance. Barnes Harley-Davidson Victoria serves the cities of Nanaimo and Port Alberni, British Columbia.