Must-Have for Motorcycle Riders: Keep Your Bike in Peak Condition at All Times – A Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance

For motorcycle enthusiasts, motorcycles are not just a means of transportation but a way of life and a release of passion. However, to keep your motorcycle performing at its best and prolong its service life, regular maintenance is essential. Today, we bring you a super detailed comprehensive guide to motorcycle maintenance.

I. Engine Oil Maintenance

Engine oil is known as the “blood” of a motorcycle, and its importance is self-evident.

1. Replacement frequency:
   • Under normal circumstances, mineral engine oil needs to be replaced after 1,000 – 1,500 kilometers of driving; semi-synthetic oil can be replaced after 2,000 – 3,000 kilometers; fully synthetic oil can last for 3,000 – 5,000 kilometers. Of course, the specific replacement mileage needs to be adjusted according to your riding habits and road conditions.
   • If you often ride in harsh road conditions, such as dusty or muddy roads, the replacement frequency of engine oil should be increased appropriately.
2. Choose the right engine oil:
   • Different models of motorcycles have different requirements for engine oil. Generally, the motorcycle manual will clearly recommend the suitable engine oil model and viscosity grade. For example, some small-displacement motorcycles may be suitable for 10W-40 engine oil, while large-displacement high-performance motorcycles may require engine oil with a higher viscosity.
   • Pay attention to the quality certification of engine oil, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) and JASO (Japanese Automobile Standards Organization) certification marks to ensure that the selected engine oil meets quality standards.

II. Air Filter Maintenance

The air filter plays a role in filtering the air entering the engine, preventing dust and impurities from entering and protecting the engine.

1. Cleaning frequency:
   • Generally, the air filter should be checked every 2,000 – 3,000 kilometers. If you often ride in an environment with a lot of dust, the inspection frequency should be higher.
   • You can judge whether the air filter needs cleaning by observing its color. If the air filter becomes very dirty and black in color, it needs to be cleaned or replaced in time.
2. Cleaning method:
   • For paper air filters, compressed air can be used to blow from the inside to the outside to remove the dust. Note that the pressure of the compressed air should not be too high, generally controlled at 3 – 5 kilograms per square centimeter.
   • For sponge air filters, they can be washed with water and then dried and coated with an appropriate amount of engine oil to enhance the filtering effect.

III. Chain Maintenance

The chain is an important part of the motorcycle’s transmission system, and its maintenance is directly related to riding safety and comfort.

1. Lubrication frequency:
   • The chain should be lubricated every 500 – 1,000 kilometers. If you often ride in harsh road conditions, the lubrication frequency should be increased appropriately.
2. Lubrication method:
   • First, prop up the motorcycle to make the rear wheel off the ground. Then, use a brush or spray gun to evenly spray chain lubricant on the chain, paying attention to spraying on the inside and outside of the chain and the rollers.
   • After spraying the lubricant, let the motorcycle idle for a few minutes to allow the lubricant to fully penetrate into the chain. Then, wipe off the excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
3. Adjust chain tension:
   • The chain tension should not be too loose or too tight. Generally, the sag of the chain should be between 20 – 30 millimeters.
   • The chain tension can be adjusted using a chain adjuster. When adjusting, first loosen the rear axle nut, then rotate the adjuster to make the chain tension reach the appropriate level, and finally tighten the rear axle nut.

IV. Brake System Maintenance

The brake system is the key to motorcycle safety and must be inspected and maintained regularly.

1. Check brake fluid:
   • The level of brake fluid should be between the upper and lower scale lines of the brake fluid reservoir. If the fluid level is too low, brake fluid should be added in time.
   • Brake fluid generally needs to be replaced every two years or after 20,000 kilometers of driving. If the brake fluid turns dark or cloudy, it should also be replaced in time.
2. Check brake pads:
   • The thickness of the brake pads should generally not be less than 2 millimeters. If the brake pads are worn to the limit, they should be replaced in time.
   • You can judge whether the brake pads need to be replaced by observing the wear indicator of the brake pads or measuring the thickness of the brake pads with a caliper.
3. Check brake discs:
   • The surface of the brake disc should be flat and smooth without cracks or deformations. If there is a problem with the brake disc, it should be replaced in time.
   • You can touch the surface of the brake disc with your hand to feel its flatness. You can also use a micrometer to measure the thickness of the brake disc to determine if it is excessively worn.

V. Tire Maintenance

Tires are the only part of a motorcycle that contacts the ground, and their condition directly affects riding safety and comfort.

1. Check tire pressure:
   • The tire pressure should meet the requirements in the motorcycle manual. Generally, the tire pressure of the front wheel is 2.0 – 2.5 kilograms per square centimeter, and that of the rear wheel is 2.2 – 2.8 kilograms per square centimeter.
   • You can use a tire pressure gauge to regularly check the tire pressure to ensure it is within the normal range. If the tire pressure is too high or too low, it will affect the service life of the tires and riding safety.
2. Check tire wear:
   • The tread depth of the tires should be no less than 1.6 millimeters. If the tire tread is worn to the limit, the tires should be replaced in time.
   • You can measure the tread depth of the tires with a tire tread depth gauge to determine if the tires need to be replaced.
3. Tire rotation:
   • To make the tires wear evenly, tire rotation can be performed regularly. Generally, tire rotation should be done every 5,000 – 10,000 kilometers.
   • There are various methods for tire rotation, and you can choose the appropriate rotation method according to the type of motorcycle and the size of the tires.

In conclusion, motorcycle maintenance is a meticulous and important task. Only by regularly maintaining your motorcycle can you ensure that it always maintains the best performance and brings you a safe and comfortable riding experience. I hope this comprehensive guide to motorcycle maintenance will be helpful to all motorcycle riders. Let’s take good care of our beloved bikes and ride freely on the road!