By: Jenny Carson
Proper maintenance of your motorcycle will ensure long lasting partnership with your machine. If you take care of it, you will be certain of a good ride, every time. Motorcycle maintenance does not only mean cleaning your bike. Making it look presentable all the time is great but you have to be concern about its engine as well. It is like taking care of your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots, you do not just polish it, you have to make sure that it is well cared for and maintained.
In order to properly care for your motorcycle, you have to check its, engines, body, tires, and fuel. Here are some tips you need to take note:
1. Use the recommended motorcycle oil for your bike. Some would say that the car oil is enough. However, this can affect the performance of the motorcycle engine. Car oils have certain compositions that can affect the motorcycle engine. As much as possible, use only the oils recommended by your manufacturer. Although this cost more, you will be certain that the product is formulated specifically for your ride.
2. Check your radiator regularly. If you neglect to clean your radiator, you will most likely encounter overheating.
3. Take care of your battery as well. This is very important especially during the cold season. Many riders remove their battery from the bike and store somewhere warmer. It is important that you check it before you use it again. See if there are any leaks or unusual changes on your bike.
4. Check the lights too. Make sure that they are working especially if you are going to ride it at night. The primary cause of motorcycle related accidents is the lack of visibility.
5. Check your tires as well. Replace worn out tires because this no longer have the traction needed for the ride. Check the wheel in general as well. Make sure that the air pressure is enough. Check its spokes too. Your wheels are very important in each of your ride. You might end up in a hospital if you take it for granted.
6. Pay attention to your cables as well. You will be encountering a lot of problems if your cable fails to perform. Test its strength and check for rust.
7. Before you start riding your bike again, double-check the other smaller parts. Tighten the bolts. Apply protective coatings on the leather parts of your motorcycle.
It is also important that you check your other motorcycle gears and accessories. Check your helmet, your boots, jackets, and gloves. Make sure that they are ready for use. See if your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots are ready for the road.
Maintaining your motorcycle is one of the best ways to stay safe. If you do not take care of it properly, you will not know what parts you need to replace. You will also fail to do the needed repairs. Remember, it is not only important that you know how to ride your bike, it is also vital that you know how to take care of it.
Article Source: Ezinearticles
How to Take Care of Your Motorcycle
By: Jenny Carson
It is important to care for your motorcycle. If you care for it, you will surely enjoy riding it for a long time. You have to maintain the condition of your bike regularly to be certain that you can rely on it anytime you want to go for a ride.
Before you can start taking care of your bike, you have to identify its type. This way, you will be able to understand its needs. There are several types of motorcycles just like there are several types of Harley Davidson motorcycle boots. You will not be able to find the right stuff, if you do not know what you are looking for.
Cruiser
If you are very familiar with your bike, you can disintegrate the parts and clean every detail of the machine. However, if you are not comfortable you can just wash the visible areas.
If you own a cruiser, you have to learn the proper way to clean it. This type of bike is the most difficult to clean. The first thing you need is a handful of soft towel. The coatings of your cruiser is soft, thus it needs softer towels. Although it can resist harsh weather conditions, using rough fabrics to clean it will scratch the coatings. You will also need brushes for certain portion of the bike. If you have a lifter for the motorcycle, it will make your job easier.
Before thorough washing, rinse the bike with water to wash the dirt away. After that, removing the remaining dirt will be easier.
Dirt Bikes
If you own this type of bike, it is important that you take note of what you can do to prevent damage on your bike. Instead of rebuilding and replacing some parts, use preventive grease. Use transmission oils and clean your motorcycle regularly. You will save more by investing in these preventive measures.
Since this type of bike takes most of the abuse, you should check it regularly for damage. Repair them right away as well. Clean it every after use. The grips and levers are the most vulnerable to damage. This is why you have to give it preferential attention. Check the tires as well, replace worn tires to prevent accidents caused by unreliable traction.
Superbikes
Many love having this type of motor because of speed. Since this is the case, it is important that the rider ensure the good condition of its motor. He has to change the fluid properly as well. Most importantly, he has to make sure that the tires are always in good shape.
In any bike, it is important to check all key parts even if it is not in use for a while. Make sure that you drain the fuel if you are going to store it for more than a month. Check the batteries especially during the winter.
Looking good does not only rely on your motorcycle accessories. Your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots will not be as attractive if you bike is not clean. It would not feel comfortable as well if you were having a bad day on the road.
Article Source: Ezinearticles
By: Deepak Raj
Each bike has its own life span where it can have the maximum performance. The longer you can maintain your bike in its best performance, the better will be its resale value. You can just go through the following points so that you remember it next time you take the bike for a ride.
Engine Revs: Do not over rev the engine. Most motorcycles, especially the 100cc-125cc bikes are low geared and have torque engines that allow for commuting around town in top gear. Make sure you don't lug the engine either. Many motorcycles and scooters come with audible and visible optimum mileage indicators that help in extracting the best fuel efficiency. Most tachometers also have the optimum gear shift points marked out.
Clutch Usage: Avoid slipping the clutch while riding and also during standing starts. Most riders clutch in and blip the throttle while weaving through traffic. It helps le performance minded but plays havoc on the full efficiency. If you are a commuter, now you know what to do.
Traffic Lights: Most traffic lights in the metros have timers. Use them. If you are going to be stationary for over a minute shut off the engine. Of course an electric starter is a boon in such situations.
Starting and Shutting Down: Use the choke while starting up, most bikes are tuned to run on a lean air- fuel mixture and need the choke to fire up when cold. Run the bike for a few km with the choke on and at low revs while the engine warms up after which don't forget to shut off the choke. There is no need to rev or over rev the engine either while starting up orshutting down.
Stop and Go Traffic: Try and avoid congested roads as far as possible. Even if it means you have to take a slightly longer route this will save up on fuel costs.
Gentle on the Throttle: Avoid being ham-fisted with the throttle. Build up revs slowly and progressively and avoid jack rabbit starts and stops.
Article Source: EzineArticles