Motorcycle Maintenance

New and veteran riders alike are gearing up for the warm weather and ready to hit the road for some fun and thrills. But before you strap on your leathers and pull back the throttle, you’ll want to make sure your bike is in working order. Every rider could benefit from a pre-ride checklist or regular maintenance routine. It can help to prevent future problems or even avoid trouble on the road.

Here at America’s Motorsports Madison, we understand most riders are more interested in hopping on their bikes and hitting the road as soon as possible, but it’s important to make sure your ride will be a smooth one.

Regular maintenance keeps your motorcycle running properly and helps to avoid damage, costly repair, and even accidents on the road. So read on for some tips on keeping your bike happy, and if you need more help, or you’re just interested in checkout out our stock of new and used motorcycles, head into our Madison, Tennessee showroom where we’re proud to serve Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield.

Chains and Belts

Most motorcycles use a chain or belt to transfer power from the engine to other components. They need to be kept in working order or your bike just won’t be able to go anywhere! Chains should be lubricated regularly, and any belts must be inspected for tears and frays that could result in a break down the road. For both setups, you’ll want to make sure the slack on the belts and chains isn’t too loose or too tight.

Brakes and Lights

Top off your brake fluid for both front and rear reservoirs. You’ll also want to check the brake pads for even wear. Don’t wait to replace them until they’re totally worn down, as they need plenty of material to function correctly. Even if everything seems fine, if you notice any unusual squeaking, grinding, or pulsating, consider getting your braking system checked by a professional.

Tires

While you may not be inclined to check everything on this list before every ride, your tires should be an exception to that. Check your tires as often as you can, both to make sure they’re properly inflated and that there’s no excessive wear or damage. Never ride on a compromised tire.

Fuel

Clogged fuel filters are, not surprisingly, incredibly inefficient. This could be the issue if you notice your bike is sputtering or struggles to start. You can even consider switching to a higher octane fuel if you don’t ride that often, as it won’t corrode as quickly.

Oil

Checking your oil is just as important for your motorcycle as it is for your car. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, and then reinsert it into the bike. Top off your oil has needed, but also pay attention to the condition of the oil. If you notice it’s sludgy or a dark brown color, it may be time to replace the oil and oil filter. If you see metallic shavings or powder, take your bike into a mechanic. It’s a sign that parts of your engine may be grinding together.

Battery

As you might with your car, if your motorcycle doesn’t start, you’ll want to check your battery first. It might just need to be recharged, but if it’s old it might just need to be replaced. If you replace or recharge your battery and it still drains quickly, it might me your alternator needs to be looked at. Also keep in mind that a battery needs special attention if you’re storing your bike for an extended period of time. Hook it up to a trickle charge or at least remove the leads from the posts to avoid draining it when it’s not in use.

Routine maintenance can help prevent costly service and protect your investment so your motorcycle can last as long as you want it to. If you’re after more information about regular maintenance, don’t hesitate to call or head into America’s Motorsports Madison. We’re proud to serve Madison, Hendersonville, Lebanon, and Springfield, Tennessee, as well as our neighbors in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Come in today and let our knowledgeable and courteous staff of professionals help you find what you’re looking for.