Keeping your bike in top mechanical order is essential for safety, of course. But the benefits go beyond keeping you out of a hedge or a hospital ward.
Not that long ago, motorcycles demanded frequent servicing and constant fettling to remain reliable and give their best. Nowadays, service intervals are longer and the processes tend towards straightforward replacement or computerised diagnostics and adjustment.
Read the full article »
A well maintained, regularly serviced bike is simply nicer to ride. Everything works as it should, every control feels right. Plus, when you come to sell, a well maintained bike will be sought after and command a better price.
Read the full article »
An important job, the core of any service schedule and relatively easy to do.
First things first, ensure you have enough new oil, of the correct grade, and a new oil filter. It’s also best to have a new washer for the sump bolt. You’ll also need a draining tray with more than enough capacity for the old oil and a container for it that you can take to a recycle station.
Read the full article »
Spark plugs need replacing at major services. They may also need cleaning and adjustment if you experience any rough running or misfires.
Read the full article »
Not a job to consider if you’re a bit unsure - there’s a real safety risk if you do something wrong. (By the way, you should bleed your brake and clutch systems, and replace with brand new fluid, at least every two years. It’s a tricky job and best done using a specialist brake bleed kit. Or a mechanic.)
Read the full article »
Once upon a time, checking and adjusting valve clearances was a frequent pastime for motorcyclists. Luckily, it was also relatively easy in the day of pushrod twins and singles.
Read the full article »
If you don’t keep your bike properly serviced and maintained, worse things can happen than being stranded at the roadside. With none of the stability or safety margins of a car, the results of a mechanical failure can be unforgiving.
Read the full article »
