Purchased your favourite roadster bike and are now worried about keeping that shine lasting forever? Good bikes are not inexpensive; they are a significant investment. So, it is a good idea to take care of them. While regular cleaning and washing are good for getting rid of mud and dirt, what about parts that endure constant movement? Are you keeping a check on specific parts that crave attention?
Here are 6 key tips to help you achieve exactly your goal: thorough maintenance of your favourite bike that keeps it ready for many rides to come.
1. Lubricate the Moving Parts
You wash your bike regularly using a bucket of water, a sponge, a bike-specific brush, and a bike cleaner. After washing, dry it with an old towel to prevent rust. Wait! This is not it. There is more to its proper maintenance.
Lubrication protects moving parts from wear and tear. It also prevents them from freezing up. However, ensure that you are lubricating in the right amount. Too much lubricant can lead to poor performance and component damage.
Pro Tip: You must change your oil and check the parts regularly, at least every 6 months or 6400 kilometres.
2. Check the Tyre Pressure
Tyres are one of the most important parts of any vehicle. Give them enough time and attention. Check your tyre pressure regularly, especially in the winter. Often, cold temperatures can reduce the pressure.
You must also check your tread and determine whether it has enough depth to offer you substantial traction. If the air pressure and tread are on track, look out for any cracks in the sidewall of the tyres.
3. Check Fluids
You’re mistaken if you’re only worried about the oil and gas as fluids for your bike. Brake fluid and coolant are important, too, for motorbike maintenance. They can, at times, leak when you leave your bike unattended for a long duration. Double-check the levels. Consider refilling or topping them. You can also flush out the old fluids and replace them with fresh ones.
4. Charge/Replace the Battery
Typically, batteries last about five years. However, there are a couple of reasons why they may not make it through winter. You must check the voltage on the battery. Low voltage may be an indication of the need to charge or replace the battery altogether.
If your current battery is in good condition, clean the terminals and apply dielectric grease. Filthy terminals with corrosion can decrease the flow of electricity.
Also, check the fuses. Sometimes, a fuse is blown, causing starting problems or lights that do not work correctly.
5. Focus on Engine Maintenance
Prevent your roaster bike from malfunctioning with proper maintenance. Check and change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
You should also check the air filter, spark plugs, and fuel system. A good-quality air filter is very important for the proper inflow of air. Further, functional spark plugs are essential for proper combustion. In the case of 300 cc bikes or bikes with high engines, such checks become even more crucial since they often operate at higher speeds and temperatures.
6. Keep an Eye on Headlights & Indicators
Ensuring that the lighting system of your roadster bike is in the right condition is a must for your safety. Therefore, regularly check your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals to confirm they are functioning properly. Replace any dim or non-working ones immediately. Additionally, keeping the lenses clean will also enhance brightness. This way, you can ensure that you’re seen by other road users, especially during low-light conditions or adverse weather.
Consider investing in the right models. For example, models like the BMW G 310 R feature 100% LED headlights, tail lights, and indicators, which provide excellent visibility and longevity compared to traditional bulbs.
Wrapping Up
Follow the key tips shared above and keep your bike ready for all your upcoming rides. Remember, roadster bikes are built for performance. They feature an emphasis on power, speed, and agility. Therefore, maintaining them requires attention to performance components, such as the engine, transmission, and suspension. All of these come together to deliver a dynamic riding experience.
Investing in a good roadster bike is as important as taking good care of it. Compromising on either can lead to diminished performance. What’s even bad? You will have to face increased repair costs and a less enjoyable riding experience. So, gear up, hit the road, and enjoy the freedom and mirth that comes with riding a well-maintained roadster bike!