Posted: 23 Oct 2011
Bikes are all about freedom, so it’s very tempting to just jump on and ride off every time, but your bike will repay a few moments regular TLC with miles of trouble-free fun.
- Before every run, check that the lights and indicators are working
- After starting, let the bike warm up to normal operating temperature before using high revs
- At least once a week, check oil and fluid levels, tyre pressures and tread depths, lubricate the chain and check it for tension
- The minimum legal tyre tread depth for motorcycles over 49cc is 1mm, but this is a bare minimum, and many bikers feel that 2mm or 3mm means time for new tyres, particularly in winter or wet conditions
- Clean the bike with a damp cloth and mild detergent or specialist cleaner either once a week or after a long run, especially in winter. Thi removes salt that can lead to premature corrosion
- At least once a fortnight, check brakes, cables, forks, hoses and shocks for signs of deterioration
- Use high-detergent fuel regularly rather than cheaper fuel, as it helps to keep your engine clean
Protecting your bike over winter…
- Leave the battery on a specially designed slow or trickle charger, such as Optimate or Acumate
- Over-inflate the tyres by 4 psi
- Spray electrics and metal with corrosion protector
- Turn the wheels every fortnight