Motorcycles are about freedom, the wind in your hair, and the riding experience. Motorcyclists are often also tinkerers, always playing with their bikes, trying to get the most out of the engine that beats at the heart of a motorcycle’s soul. Regular maintenance is also important, and part of the freedom and independence of riding comes from knowing your bike intimately at a mechanical level.
This means doing your own checks and maintenance. This may seem a little daunting at first, but the benefits are enormous: your ride will be safer, and you will learn your bike inside and out. By doing your own maintenance, you’ll also gain a greater sense of confidence and independence as you learn how to address problems that arise and how to explain problems that you can’t fix yourself to those that can help you.
Fortunately, motorcycle maintenance is often easy. Unlike a car, most of components are right out where you can see and touch them. Because motorcycles are purer, simpler machines than cars, you can also feel the benefits of your maintenance in the way your motorcycle rides. Here are ten tips and checks that you’ll want to make sure to always do.
