| Motorcycles are the modern equivalent of a romantic | | | | different brake fluid reservoirs for your front brakes |
| black steed. They suggest freedom, rebellion and, | | | | and your back brakes. Don't forget that brake fluid |
| more importantly, less money spent on petrol. But | | | | absorbs moisture, so only use new, sealed bottles to |
| the effort you put into your bike doesn't stop at | | | | top up your reservoirs. |
| saving up for your shiny metal dream; motorbike | | | | Batteries |
| safety relies on the art of motorcycle maintenance. | | | | Batteries take the dubious second place as the most |
| If you maintain your bike you'll also cut costs by | | | | common cause for breakdowns, and so are an |
| avoiding major breakdowns. Follow this essential guide | | | | important consideration in motorcycle maintenance |
| to motorcycle maintenance to see how it's done. | | | | and repair. They are difficult to reach and are often |
| Tires | | | | ignored. Make sure that your local garages top up the |
| According the AA, most motorcycle breakdowns are | | | | batteries with distilled water and not regular tap |
| caused by tyre blow outs or damage. So, always | | | | water. If you knock your bike, always check for |
| keep your tyres fully inflated: it seems simple, but it's | | | | leaking, corrosive battery acid that can be very |
| also central to bike maintenance. If tyres are | | | | damaging. |
| somewhat deflated, they will generate more heat, | | | | Chains |
| which can be damaging. Check your tyres daily and if | | | | Chains invariably become stretched over time and |
| your tyres need replacing, don't delay. | | | | need to be replaced. Check your chain on a regular |
| Oil | | | | basis; it should never be taut but if you can pull it off |
| The process of checking your oil varies according to | | | | the rear sprocket it has become too loose. Chains |
| the bike model, so your first port of call in this | | | | need to be lubricated frequently and liberally with |
| respect is your manufacturer's handbook. You need | | | | chain spray. If you dirty your chain with off road |
| to maintain a happy medium with your oil levels. Even | | | | biking, or riding in bad weather, wait for the dirt to |
| overfilling your crankcase can have unfortunate | | | | dry then brush it off gently, instead of using a |
| results - causing your air filler to be flooded by oil. As | | | | chemical cleaner. |
| a ballpark figure, oil should be changed every three | | | | Even if you regularly maintain your bike, remember |
| months, although it should be inspected more often | | | | that it still needs to be taken to a professional |
| as heat and heavy traffic can downgrade your oil's | | | | motorbike mechanic for a service every 5000 |
| quality. | | | | kilometers or three months. Also, get into the habit |
| Brakes | | | | of performing regular motorcycle maintenance |
| Brake pads need to be replaced if they are thin or | | | | checks: check your bike quickly every morning, check |
| worn. If you are not sure how much mileage your | | | | it more thoroughly once a week, and very thoroughly |
| brake pads still have, ask a professional to run their | | | | every month. |
| eyes over them for you. In motorcycles, there are | | | | |