Love your bike and want to keep it in mint condition? You can easily do it by following a few maintenance tips.
Tyres
- Regularly check the tyres for scratches, cuts and embedded stones
- Check if the air pressure in the tyre is correct
- Periodically check the tire alignment
Brakes
- Make sure the brakes are not too tight or lose
- Replace worn-out brake pads if you consistently hear the screeching sound
- Make sure that the brake fluid is at the correct level
- Periodically check to see if any dirt or grime is accumulated in the brake shoe
Spark Plug
- Once in a while you should check if the spark plug is working fine
- Remove the spark plug and wipe the area
- Dip it in a little kerosene or petrol and then wipe it with a clean cloth
- Check if the electrodes are clean and properly connected
- Reinstall it
- Replace corroded or damaged spark plugs immediately
Battery
- Regularly inspect battery terminals and remove sediments or dirt build-up
- Use a brush to remove the dirt and sediments
- Check if the fuse is working properly
- See if there are any leaks in the battery
- If you have a distilled water battery, then you should change the water once in two months
- Disposable batteries are easy to use and don’t require much maintenance. But you should not use it once it’s life time is over
Headlights/Taillights
- Wipe the headlights and tail lights with a clean cloth everyday
- You can do the same thing for indicators and brake lights too
- Switch on the light and check the beam aim and light brightness
- If light beam is misaligned, have it repaired immediately
- Replace cracked tail lights and indicators immediately
Horn
- Check if horn wires are properly connected
- Wipe it with a dry cloth everyday
Engine Oil
- Regularly check the level of engine oil
- Replace engine oil after the prescribed kilometres
Air Filter
- If the air filter is made of paper, simply tap it to dislodge the accumulated dust
- If the air filter is made of foam, you should wash it in solvent and dry it before fixing it again
Drive chain
- The slack in the drive chain changes from bike to bike. Check the slack level in your bike manual and ensure that the level is maintained at all times
- Adjust the drive chain using the rear axle nut and swing arm
- Check wheel alignment before you tighten the nut
- Make sure that the chain is properly lubricated so the movement is smooth
Clutch
- Check the cable connected to the clutch for any loose connections
- Adjust it using threaded adjuster and locknut