If you own a bike or planning to get one, there are things that you need to do yourself in order to keep your baby in the best shape and have fun riding it for a longer period of time. These DIY tips will not only help you in better understanding your machine but you will also have the best ride. Just like any other vehicle, motorbikes need regular maintenance too. If the rider can do some basic maintenance check, the maintenance bill would be considerably lower.

In this article, we will give you some top maintenance check for your bike that you should be doing yourself.

Tires

Probably one of the most important parts of your bike is the tire. They need to be regularly checked for wear and tear and air pressure. The front and the back tire pressures are different. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s manual for that.

Properly inflated tires contribute to a better mileage of your vehicle. According to experts the best time to check the air pressure is before you start a trip (especially if it is a long one).

Chain and Sprocket

The chain, the shaft and the belt send the main power from the transmission system to the rear wheel. This part of the bike is subject to most beating and hence it is important to take good care of it. The chain needs to be well lubricated at all times.

Before you oil the chain, make sure that you clean it and the surrounding parts with a hard brush and then apply the oil.

Check the Coolant Level

Lack of coolant can easily result in overheating of the engine and bigger problems in the future. For beginners, it is easy to check the coolant level and fill it to the level prescribed by the manufacturers.

If it is just a little low, you don’t need to buy more coolant – just fill it up with water and you will be good to go.

Oil Change

Oil change is one of the most important things to do if you want your bike in top form. It is not required frequently but you should keep an eye on it. How frequently your bike needs an oil change would depend on the engine type and miles it has traveled.

Changing the engine oil is easier then you think. Just open the oil bolt located on the lower side of the engine.

Drain the used oil, and tighten the bolt again, then open the oil gauge screw and replenish the bike with new oil.

Battery

The battery is another useful component of your bike and easy to take care of. However, replacing the battery might be a costly affair. Always look for leakages or blown fuse around the battery when starting your ride.

If you are not going to use your bike for a longer period of time, it is best to take out the battery and store it in a cool and dry place.

Up Next

Want some feel good stories about our sometimes-maligned towing industry?  Check out these profiles in courage