Motorcycle DIY Maintenance

Not all motorcycle maintenance needs to be done in a service department. There are many tasks you can handle on your own to help keep your vehicle running smoothly. We've rounded up some beginner's maintenance tasks below. Remember you can always visit Holzhauer Pro Motorsports for help or to check out motorcycles for sale near Nashville, Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois as well as St. Louis, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Evansville, Indiana.

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Brakes

These are arguably the most important aspect of your ride. They help keep you from picking up too much speed when you go down a steep slope and avoid colliding into obstacles that dart into your path. Preventative maintenance here is key.

Make sure you have enough brake fluid for things to run smoothly. Remember that you'll need to check the front and rear brake reservoirs. Once you notice the fluids are low, you'll want to top them off. If you find yourself burning through fluids faster than you should be, you'll want to schedule a motorcycle service appointment to figure out what's going on.

You'll also want to inspect your brake pads. Once they get corroded or become rough, you'll want to replace them. If you notice grinding or shaking, this is a red flag. If your brake pads aren't getting worn down at the same rate, that's also a cue that you need to visit a motorcycle dealer service department.

Tires

Your tires require two easy checks. First, you'll want to make sure there is enough tread. After all, that's what helps your bike gain enough traction on the road. Tread gets worn down as you ride around town and you will eventually need to replace your tires when the tread is too low. Check your owner's manual to see what levels of tread you need.

Keep in mind that there are some issues that can cause tread to wear down faster than it should or at uneven rates. One such example is poor tire alignment. If your tread wear seems off, get a motorcycle service appointment scheduled.

Second, you'll want to ensure your tires are at the right pressure levels. Too much inflation and they won't have the right contact with the road. Too little inflation and they'll struggle to cope with the forces pushing on them. Consult your owner's manual for the right amount to shoot for. Check the tires in the morning when they are cold for the most accurate reading.

Oil

You'll want to check your motorcycle oil the same as you do your car. Put the dipstick in, take it out and wipe it, and put it back in. When the oil gets low, top it off. You'll also want to monitor its condition. When it becomes a sludgy or dark brown color, it's likely time to replace the oil and oil filter. If you spot any metallic shavings or powder, this is a sign your engine might be grinding together and needs a service appointment.

Lights

Your lights help you be seen by other motorists. They will burn out over time and eventually you'll need to replace them. When it's time to get new lights, consider upgrading to LED ones. They cost more at first, but you'll quickly earn that money back as they last much longer. Also, they’re brighter and consume less energy!

We hope you found these tips helpful. If you are looking for motorcycles for sale or a service department, visit Holzhauer Pro Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Nashville, Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois, as well as St. Louis, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Evansville, Indiana.