Motorcycle and Scooter Maintenance

Like any other vehicle, motorcycles and scooters require routine maintenance. These vehicles may be smaller than your average car, but they still have complex builds with many moving parts. Ongoing maintenance keeps all the components working together to keep your ride smooth and safe.

Fortunately, you don't need to bring your motorcycle or scooter to the shop for regular maintenance. There are plenty of things you can do yourself with the right gear.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Maintenance is important for many reasons, and one of the biggest being staying safe on the road. When you take care of your ride, it's better equipped to take care of you. A lack of maintenance can lead to serious safety issues that can make drives more dangerous than they should be.

Ongoing care will also impact the overall performance of your motorcycle or scooter on the road. Over time, your bike's engine, drivetrain, brakes, wheels, and more can succumb to regular wear and tear. While you won't experience changes to immediate performance, those issues can cause a noticeable dip over time.

Failing to maintain your bike can also lead to substantial costs down the line. A poorly maintained engine will use more fuel, and small issues can quickly become major damage that requires costly repairs.

Maintenance keeps your bike or scooter in good shape, allowing you to protect your investment while getting great performance and staying safe in your travels.

Common Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Oil changes – Check your oil every few months. Changing your oil at least once a year is best, depending on how often you ride. Doing so will keep your engine running properly.
Air filter replacement – Air filters keep debris out of your engine. Swapping out a clogged filter for a fresh one will maintain engine performance.
Tire inspection – Check your tire pressure and treads regularly. Compare the pressure with the recommended PSI printed on the tire's sidewall. Then, inspect the tread indicator to see if it's time for a replacement.
Chain cleaning and lubrication – Cleaning your chain prevents locking and excessive friction. Inspect the chain during routine maintenance or after off-road adventures. Then, use cleaning and degreasing products to remove gunk before applying chain lubricant.
Coolant change – Check the level indicators on your bike's coolant reservoir. If necessary, refill it to ensure your engine doesn't overheat or freeze. Generally speaking, you need to change the coolant fully every two years.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

As a motorcycle or scooter owner, it's a good idea to build up your collection of maintenance gear so that you always have what you need on hand. Here are a few essentials:

Hand wrenches and torque wrenches
Hex keys
Standard screwdrivers
Pliers
Tire pressure gauge
Air compressor or tire inflator
Oil catch pan
Replacement air and oil filters
Necessary fluids & chemicals
Wire brushes
Fluid funnels
Diagnostic service tools

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