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Bike Maintenance Tips

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

A bike can bring comfort to your daily life and is a source of freedom and pride. Therefore it is not desirable but mandatory that you keep your vehicle in the best of health. Regular bike maintenance helps you enhance your vehicle's life, keeps you safe, and minimises the chance of sudden breakdowns. What can you do to keep your bike in good shape? A few simple tips and practices can go a long way in keeping your bike in a good condition; let's discuss a few of them below.

Contents

10 Handy Tips To Keep Your Bike In Good Shape

Bikes come in different varieties, and some may have specific requirements for maintenance; nevertheless, a few simple suggestions can help you take care of your motorcycle.

1. Change Engine Oil

The engine oil determines the quality of your ride and also the life of your engine. It keeps the engine cool, ensures your ride is smooth and lubricates the engine parts. Dirty engine oil reduces fuel efficiency and engine life due to excessive wear and tear. High acidity in the engine oil can cause internal corrosion. Check the oil level after every service and make sure you change it as and when required.

2. Inspect The Tyres Regularly

Tyres vary depending on your riding and bike style. Irrespective of the type, they are subject to considerable wear and tear. You should check the tyre treads regularly to spot any damage and keep them in good shape. If you ride a two-wheeler with worn-out treads, it can result in skidding of your bike. Maintaining the required air pressure in the tyres is also an integral part of checking your tyres.

3. Keep Air Filters Clean

Bike air filters require periodic cleaning; dust and debris gets stuck in the filter and impacts air intake. This results in poor combustion, which can cause engine damage. Keeping air filters clean and changing them at recommended intervals improves your bike's efficiency.

4. Pay Attention To The Brakes

Brakes are crucial to keep you and others on the road safe. The brakes should not be too tight or loose; they should stop your bike at the right time when applying the right amount of pressure. Brake pads wear out with time, and you should replace them when required. If your brakes screech, it is a signal that they need attention. The brake fluid also requires changing every couple of months.

5. Do Not Ignore The Bike Manual

When we buy a product, we often fail to give the required attention to the manual that comes with it. Do not make this mistake when you buy a bike. The manual provides detailed information about every bike part and can be a valuable guide for bike maintenance. You can get information about the type of oil you need to use, frequency of service, tyre care and other practical tips. Go through the manual in detail before you start using the bike; it also offers you insights into the safety aspect.

6. Clutch Adjustment Is Important

Like tyres vary with the bike, the clutch adjustment is also different for each. You have to use the clutch every few minutes to shift gears, and if the clutch is not well adjusted; if it is either too tight or loose; it can cause problems while shifting gears. This can cause damage to the two-wheeler or could also result in an accident. Poor clutch adjustment raises fuel consumption even if your bike has good fuel efficiency.

7. Keep It Clean

This is not just a bike maintenance tip but applies to all products; keeping things clean can keep them in good condition and enhance their life. Clean your bike regularly, referring to the user manual to ensure that you follow the appropriate cleaning techniques. When cleaning the bike yourself, cover the switch unit, silencer and other parts that may get damaged due to water. Use the right agent and cloth for cleaning to avoid damage to the bike surface. Keep your bike in a covered area when not in use.

8. Battery Maintenance Is Essential

The battery in your bike is responsible for the smooth functioning of all the electrical components. A poorly maintained battery can result in starting troubles for the vehicle and improper functioning of the headlights, horn and indicators. For battery maintenance, you should check the wires regularly to ensure they are connected properly, and when going on a long trip, make sure that the battery has a full charge. If you do not intend to use the bike for a considerable duration, disconnect the battery, to avoid damage to the vehicle.

9. Be A Responsible Rider

This tip is for your two-wheeler maintenance as much as it is for your safety. Rash driving, over-speeding, and trying to perform stunts on the roads are highly unsafe. All this can damage your bike and put your and other people's lives at risk. Follow the traffic rules, maintain the speed limit as per the rules, stick to your lane and avoid taking any risks while riding.

10. Keep The Transmission System Healthy

Your bike's chain requires regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. Do not use water to clean it; use a soft brush and cloth to remove the dirt that may have accumulated in the chain. After removing the debris, wipe the chain and use engine oil to lubricate it. The chain should have proper tension and free play of the rear wheel; variation can result in the rear wheel not functioning smoothly when the bike is in motion.

11. Professional Help Cannot Be Overlooked

You may maintain your bike well and have the requisite knowledge to take care of minor issues, but you cannot do away with professional expertise. Now and then, you must get your bike serviced at a designated service centre for two-wheeler maintenance.

Have A Bike Maintenance Schedule

A schedule will ensure that you are regular with the maintenance activities and do not overlook crucial aspects.

Things to Do Daily

Check fuel to ensure there are no leaks
Check fluid levels; oil, brake fluid and coolant
Inspect the brake pedal
Check the lights and horn
Make sure the steering movement is smooth
Check the tyre pressure and tyre treads
Adjust the rearview mirror as required
Ensure the kill switch functions properly

Things To Do Weekly

Check the oil level and make sure to top it up if required
Check tyre pressure with a gauge
Inspect your battery and check the electrolyte level
Lubricate and check the control cables
Check brake pads and disks for damage and wear and tear
Inspect the bike visually for any loose nuts, bolts or spokes

Things To Do Quarterly

Replace the air filter
Change the oil and the filter
Inspect the wheel and steering bearings, grease them and replace them if required
Check the exhaust system for leakages

Things To Do Annually

Check the overflow pipes and replace them if required
Change the spark plugs
Inspect the suspension linkages for play
Check and change bearings, linkage, and bushes if required

Get Insured

Apart from the above, keep in mind that bike insurance is mandatory in India. Getting good bike insurance helps in paying for repairs in the event of any unfortunate accident etc.

In case of an unfortunate accident or mishap, you can get your bike back in good condition with the help of the claim.

There may be times when, due to a lack of awareness or oversight, one may forget to buy or renew insurance. To avoid that, set reminders and plan it out. Insurance can help a lot in emergencies, so it's important to get one and keep it updated.

Conclusion

Following the basic and best tips discussed above can help a lot with ensuring your bike stays with you for a long time. Having a routine maintenance schedule that includes checking all the bike parts and replacing them or consumables as and when required will help you protect and use your bike for many years.

Above all, insurance can help in any unfortunate event that might arise despite the measures you take, so do not dismiss it. You can check the different insurance plans offered by ACKO and choose the most optimal one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some of the common questions about two-wheeler maintenance tips

1. How can I improve petrol engine mileage?

To improve the petrol engine:

Change gears with the clutch fully pressed.
Use top gears as much as possible and stick to the economy range for your bike while driving.
Avoid racing the engine.

2. What maintenance tools should I have?

Your bike will have the primary maintenance tool kit under the seat, or you may get it separately. These tools are enough for the basic maintenance of the vehicle.

The basic tools required are spanners, socket sets, pliers, screwdrivers, measuring devices, paddock stand, inspection light etc.

3. Why does my motorcycle wobble?

Modern motorcycles have sturdier frames and can wibble due to multiple reasons. The chief causes of a wobble are worn-out tyres, more so if they are unevenly worn out, improper suspension function and problems with the head and wheel bearings.

4. How frequently should I get my bike serviced?

You should follow the bike manual to understand how frequently you need to get the bike serviced. The manufacturers spent considerable time and money researching the best practices for your motorcycle, so it is best to stick to their instructions.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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