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Motorcycle maintenance shouldn’t be expensive, and there are ways to save money by doing some of the repairs yourself. One great thing about bikes is that they have an open design so you will be able to become familiar with their inner workings much easier than with other things. Here are some great ways to save money on repairs you can do on your bike yourself.

Perform regular check-ups yourself

One way to save money if you’re riding a motorcycle is to perform the necessary regular check-ups yourself. While you can have a repair shop do that for you, that will only be an additional expense that will take money off your pocket.

Here is a short list of things you can do on your own:

- Checking the tire pressure

- Monitoring the oil and fluid levels

- Checking the speedometer

- Lubricating the chain

- Checking the battery

The manufacturer usually includes recommendations regarding bike maintenance, so it is a good idea that you pay attention to all the basic guidelines. For further repairs, you will need a special tool that will lift your bike allowing you to get underneath it and check it properly. It is highly recommended to shop for bike jacks for this reason, as they are the kind of gear you need for such tasks.

It is possible to change the oil yourself

The engine of your motorcycle is like a heart. Without it working correctly, your bike won’t work. That is why one of the most critical maintenance tips you can get is to change the oil once in a while. Usually, every several thousand miles you should change the oil.

This information must be included in the manual supplied by the manufacturer with your purchase. Here are some tips on how to do that. First, ride the motorcycle for a few minutes to get it warmed up. This simple trick will make the oil more fluid, and you will manage to drain it with ease.

Use a drain pan to catch all the running oil. Along with the oil, remove the filter, as well, since this one needs replacement. After you refill your bike with new oil, make sure that the cap is screwed on tightly. Don’t forget to take the used oil to a recycling center.

Cleaning the chain – a few tips

If your bike has an O-ring type of chain, you’re in luck, because it won’t require much cleaning. Unsealed chains, which can now be found mostly in older models, were a hassle, but if you ride a newer bike, you should not encounter such troubles.

Make sure to lift the rear wheel and place the transmission in neutral; this will allow the chain to move so that you can clean it thoroughly. With a bristle brush, remove the accumulated grime from the chain. Add new lubricant and rotate the wheel slowly so that the fluid gets through the entire chain. Allow a few minutes for the grease to seep into the joints, and use some paper towels to remove the excess.

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gloucestercitynews.net | March 21, 2019