A motorcycle can be a great means of exploring the world, but it does need regular maintenance to keep it efficient and safe on the road. A few simple checks and easy DIY procedures can save you from expensive breakdowns by the roadside.
Start with some basic maintenance checks such as checking oil levels, fuel levels, cleaning air filters or lubricating chains.
Oil Check
Modern motorcycles are very reliable but they still need regular inspection and servicing to stay in top condition. Engine oil, coolant and brake fluid should all be checked regularly – these checks can easily be done with a diagnostic service like Honda Care Plus.
Engine Oil: Ensure that the oil level is between the full and low marks on your dipstick then check its condition – it should ideally be an amber colour without any visible clumps or having been burnt/broken down; any discolouration shows that it needs changing immediately. If you find dark brown liquid here then this is early warning sign for your engine asking an oil change.
Before checking the oil in a motorcycle, let it sit for at least 5 minutes after switching off so that the oil settles down giving proper reading. Also clean out dipstick once removed from its filler cap – Some bikes have it screwed all way into place requiring this step if needed for cleaning purpose.
Coolant Check
This keeps your bike protected against overheating when using liquid cooled engines so make sure there’s enough coolant in there and top up if necessary.
To check coolant level remove left side cover and locate radiator pressure cap (refer service manual specific to your model). Take off this cap and see whether our coolant has reached “full mark”.
It’s also good time to remove drive chain inspecting them for wear as specified by service manual; clean/lubricate them if worn or replace with new parts according to service manual recommendation. Finally test/charge battery regularly as per owner’s manuals which will keep motorcycle at best performance!
Battery Check
The battery is the heart of every motorbike’s electrical system and must keep up with your high-powered accessories. Motorcycles often come with features like electronic rider aids, Bluetooth smartphone pairing or mobile charging ports that drain batteries quickly.
A good test to perform is monitoring your battery voltage using a multimeter. You should achieve around 14.4 volts while cranking – any drop could signify one of either stator or regulator/rectifier failing and need replacing immediately.
Other important vehicle checks are all lights, indicators and hazard lights functional; topping up coolant levels to avoid overheating; clean air filters improve engine performance; spark plugs inspection for good condition safe riding on regular basis. These simple tasks should be done frequently to ensure safe rides.
Tyre Check
One of the most unexpected things a person can face is a tire failure. The date code (the indicator of when the tires were made and not their age), and wear bars should be part of your pre-ride routine. These are small raised parts at the bottom of rain grooves that show when tread wear has reached 1 millimeter deep, indicating replacement.
Check if they have enough air – this should be done often so as to have uniform contact patch for better grip and manoeuvrability.
Ensure cleanliness by cleaning all parts of the bike; also store it in well ventilated areas like garages or sheds; don’t forget adding liquid coolants where necessary; do lubrication on chains, control cables and other movable components; charging batteries frequently after checking them out plus following manufacturer recommendations from owner’s manual about regular maintenance intervals.