A road trip on your motorcycle is perfect for the summertime and can help you reclaim your adventurous spirit. However, before you hit the road, make sure your bike is ready for the trip.
Here are some motorcycle maintenance tasks for the summer:
1. Oil and Fluid Levels
Essential fluids in your bike include the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and the chain lube. You should have most of these in your garage if you ride your bike regularly. Always do a quick check before starting a trip. Some simple online guides teach you how to check and refill these fluids yourself.
2. Tires
Checking your tires is a crucial summer maintenance task. Too much heat can affect the rubber in the tires and lead to a blowout. Keep your tires properly inflated and check the pressure levels.
If your tire treads are worn down, it might be difficult for you to ride on slippery or wet surfaces when it rains. If the tires have worn out too much, replace them.
3. Fuel System
Your motorcycle may have a carburetor or a fuel-injected system. A damaged gas tank or a dirty carburetor can hamper the movement of fuel to the engine. Inspect the hoses that connect these units and replace them before traveling. A loud noise from the fuel system is a clear indication that something is damaged or contaminated.
4. Electronics
Your list of motorcycle maintenance tasks this summer should include a review of all the electronic components of your bike: headlights, taillights, and the digital meters.
You should check your motorcycle battery regularly by measuring the voltage (a fully-charged battery should have around 12.9 volts). The electrolyte needs to be maintained at the right level for a lead-acid battery to function correctly.
While these summer maintenance tasks keep your bike in excellent condition, you should also get insurance for your vehicle. To get the best price for your
auto insurance policy, contact the experts at
Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California.