Nine DIY motorcycle maintenance tips

Keeping your motorbike in tip-top condition is one of the best ways to stay safe while riding. Here are nine things you can check at home to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

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These rubber donuts are the only things connecting you to the road, so it’s worth giving them a thorough check at least once a week. Inspect each tyre for imperfections and make sure both still have a nicely rounded profile.

Next, check both are inflated to the correct pressures. You’ll be able to find the manufacturer’s recommended pressures on the tyre placard. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the tread depth indicators to make sure there’s plenty of rubber left.

Turn the bike on and, moving from front to rear, check that all the lights are working. A tip for checking the brake lamp by yourself is to position the rear of the bike up against a wall or car. If it’s working, you’ll be able to see the light bouncing off the object when you hit the brake.

Your engine needs oil, so be sure to check your bike’s oil level regularly. This is easily done on most modern bikes, by checking the sight glass on the crankcase, although some bikes still use a dipstick.

If you don’t have a bike stand, get someone to help hold the bike in an upright position while you check the oil level, to ensure you get the correct reading.

If the indicator shows low oil, be sure to do a top-up, using the recommended viscosity oil for your bike. You can find this in your owner’s manual.

While you’re looking at liquids, check your bike’s coolant level too. Keep in mind that you should never remove a radiator cap when the engine is hot. And you shouldn’t have to anyway, because coolant reservoir tanks are normally translucent so you can see the water level by just looking at it.

Again, if needed, top up with coolant recommended by the manufacturer in your owner’s manual.

Next up is brake fluid. The front brake’s reservoir is usually mounted on the handlebar, while the rear reservoir should be close by your footpeg mount. Again, make sure the bike is upright, before eye-balling the brake fluid levels in each reservoir.

While you’re at it, open both reservoirs to check that the rubber seal around the inside of the lid is still intact and that the fluid looks good. It should look consistent in colour, and definitely not murky or milky.

Brake pads are another thing every rider should be keeping tabs on. This can be tricky to check, but get in there with a torch and make sure there is plenty of meat left on the pads. If they’re down to a few millimetres, it’s time for replacement.

Now it’s time to check your chain’s tension and lubrication.

Some bikes have a sticker on the swingarm, but you can always check the manual for the manufacturer’s guidelines as to how much vertical free-play your chain should have. If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is usually between 10mm and 25mm.

Remember also to lubricate your chain regularly with a good quality chain lube and soon after you’ve been for a ride, so the chain is still warm.

Apart from keeping it looking good, washing your bike regularly is a great way to spot anything that might need attention.

A gentle hand wash will do the job, but be sure to avoid getting too much water or soap where there’s lots of electronics. Instead, use some detailer on a microfibre towel around more sensitive areas.

Last, but not least, you should be looking after your bike’s battery. Inspect the battery every few weeks to ensure there’s no corrosion forming around the battery terminals.

And if you don’t ride often, get yourself a battery charger that’s suitable for the type of battery in your bike, because not all are the same.

Of course, it’s important to always check your owner’s manual for the best practice for your specific motorcycle. And always consult a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure of anything.

This article was originally published on December 20, 2022.