How to take care of your motorcycle and keep it new for longer
If you’ve ever owned a motorcycle, then you know how fun and exciting it is to ride around on. But if your bike is misused or not maintained properly, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Here’s how to keep your motorcycle in top condition:
Get a motorcycle cover
A motorcycle cover is a great way to keep your bike clean and protected from the elements. If you take care of your motorcycle, it will last longer and be easier for you to maintain.
A cover will help keep dust, dirt and debris off of your bike so that it doesn’t collect on the engine or tires. It can also protect against rainwater when parked outdoors in wet weather conditions, which can cause rust damage over time if not properly cared for.
Always keep the battery charged
The battery is the heart of your motorcycle, and it’s important to treat it with respect. If you don’t keep it charged, you may end up with corrosion on the plates or acid leaks which can damage them over time. This will also lead to failure if not corrected soon enough!
Keep it away from thieves
You know you should lock your bike up and keep it in a garage, but what if you forget and leave it outside? If you do that, don’t panic—it’s not the end of the world. In fact, thieves will probably take note that there’s an expensive bike out front and decide against stealing it if they see someone with one of those bikes parked nearby.
If your bike is stolen while unattended (like if someone breaks into your house), call 911 immediately so they can help track down whoever took it.
Get the bike checked regularly
When you’re new to a bike, it can be tempting to take it out on the open road without doing any maintenance. But as soon as you start riding your motorcycle, you should get it checked out by a mechanic or auto body shop. This will help keep your bike in good working order and prevent any problems from arising later down the line.
Depending on how often you ride and where you live, there may be times when getting an oil change isn’t possible for whatever reason (like when there’s an unexpected trip to New York City).
If this happens, then make sure that when needed again—it’s best practice always has some type of lubrication system installed on all bikes which help keeps things moving smoothly during operation!
Use only a soft cloth to wipe it clean
To keep your motorcycle looking new and shiny, never use a hard brush or abrasive materials to clean it. Instead, only clean with soft cloths made from cotton or polyester.
Maintain proper tire pressure
Proper tire pressure is a vital part of maintaining your bike. To keep your tires in good shape, make sure you have the right amount of air pressure for each tire. This means that if one tire is low on air (which can happen if it gets punctured), then all the other tires will be too as well.
To check the air pressure:
Place your hand firmly on top of the tires; this will allow you to feel how much pressure there is inside each wheel. If there’s no resistance when pushing down on them with your fingers, that means they’re underinflated! If there’s some resistance but not enough to stop you from pushing with more force, that means they’re overinflated!
Avoid riding in bad weather conditions
It’s important to avoid riding in bad weather conditions because the rain and snow can cause your bike to rust, which will make it harder for you to ride when the temperature drops below freezing.
When the air is humid, water condenses on the metal surfaces of your bike and causes rusting. If you’re going out of town or visiting another state where there might be precipitation during your trip, bring along a bag of rags so that you can wipe off any excess moisture before getting on the road again!
Keep your motorcycle out of the sun whenever possible
The best way to keep a motorcycle in good shape is to keep it out of the sun whenever possible. You should store your bike in a cool, dry place and make sure that you don’t leave it near any heat sources for long periods of time—like fireplaces.
When you ride home after work or on vacation, make sure to park your bike away from windows so sunlight doesn’t hit its finish over time.
Wax your bike to protect the paint and prevent rusting
Waxing your bike is a great way to protect it from the elements and prevent rusting. It also makes it look good and adds a nice touch of shine that can be hard to replicate with other methods.
Waxing your motorcycle can be done at home or in a professional workshop, but if you’re looking for an easier way to do it yourself, there are several options available online. Some companies sell kits that include everything you need, including applicator pads and waxes of different textures (hard vs soft).
Conclusion
As you can see, we’ve covered a lot here. Remember that there are many things to consider when caring for your bike and keeping it in good working condition. It takes time and effort, but the reward is worth it!