A bike has become a necessity and is used as a daily ride rather extensively and it leads to wear and tear to the bike, its engine, and other parts. Most of us don’t care about the health of our motorcycle because it is an Awami Swari, and it keeps on running for quite a long time even without proper maintenance. But we will not advise you to do this, and that is why here are some tips for bike maintenance so you can keep your bike ride smooth and enjoyable.
Change Engine Oil
Always keep an eye on your oil and its condition because the bad oil will directly harm your engine. You can check the oil condition by simply opening the oil dipstick and checking the oil colour, whether it’s honey-colored or turned black. If the colour has turned black, it is time to change the oil. There are three types of engine oils for the bike, i.e., mineral oils, semi-synthetic oils, and synthetic oils, and each has a different period after which you should change it.
- Mineral Oils should be changed after every 850-900 kilometers.
- You should change synthetic and semi-synthetic oils after every 1200-1500 kilometers.
Periodic Tuning
Although the bike is a machine, it still needs a breather and a bit of care. And its care is periodic tuning which will give your bike a new push to run smoothly. Under this tuning, first get your valves adjusted, meaning ask the mechanic to end the gaps between them so that they work without any problem. Then get the bike’s plug checked; if it needs cleaning, get it cleaned and if it is burnt out, replace it with a new one.
Thirdly, get the bike’s air filter checked and, just like a plug, get it cleaned or get a new one. Lastly, it’s your bike’s chain; adjust it and lubricate it with grease/white grease or engine oil to run smoothly. Remember, never use water to clean the chain because it may cause rust on the chain links, try to clean it with a piece of cloth or soft brush. Also, get the placement of chain cover right because a loose cover will cause noises and issues in working of the chain.
Although every bike has a different time period for periodic maintenance, the standard is after every 800-1000 kilometers. So, keep an eye on your bike meter and then take your bike to the mechanic once it needs maintenance.
Note: Bikes over 150cc usually have oil filters, so if you own such a bike, follow the procedure similar to an air filter.
Tyre Condition and Pressure
Keep a regular check on your tyres’ condition, especially if you travel a lot or on long routes on your bike. The tyres are essential for a smooth ride, and if they are in bad condition, they can cause an accident. So, to keep your bike and yourself safe, keep an eye on the health of your tyres. We will suggest changing the tyres when about 1.59mm (2/32″ or 0.063 inches) tread remains on them. Always get the new tyres in a set because both rear and front tyre go through the same stresses.
Also Read: Things You Should Know About Bike Tires
Secondly, check the tyre pressure regularly because low pressure will cause more wear and tear. If you keep the pressure right, the tyres will remain healthy for a longer time.
Brake Pads
Good brakes are a must for your safety during a bike ride; always check them regularly. Keep both brakes holding the tyres properly because too loose or too tight brakes could be very dangerous. Change the brake pads, especially if screeching noises persist. And these noises usually come after 7000-8000 kilometers.
Furthermore, lack of oil in bikes with disc brakes can cause these screeching noise; hence, change the brake oil at regular intervals.
Healthy Battery
A healthy battery will ensure proper working of kickstart, front/rear lights, horn, and side indicators. To keep it in good condition, regularly check electrolyte level and if it is going too low, fill it with distilled or deionized water. The primary sign of a weak battery is when your bike lights and horn are not working properly and if that happens, check it immediately.
Engine Health
Although it doesn’t come under regular maintenance, we will still advise you not to over-exert the engine, meaning don’t push it too hard and drive it at normal speed. The normal speed and a bit of care will ensure a long and healthy life for your bike’s engine. Also, over-exertion is not good for your life because it can lead to accidents and injuries or even death.
So, stay calm, stay in your lane and enjoy the ride at a reasonable speed!
We hope that this guide will be helpful for you in maintaining your bike and you will enjoy your bike properly for quite a long time.
