How To Prepare Your Motorcycle for Summer?

Check and Change Your Motorcycle Oil

Motorbike oil is essential for lubricating, cooling, and protecting the engine and transmission of your bike. However, over time, the oil degrades due to heat and contamination from combustion by-products, wear metals, dirt, and moisture.

These contaminants may reduce the oil’s performance, increasing friction and wear on your bike’s internal parts. Hence, it is recommended to change your motorcycle engine oil at least every 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers or more frequently if you ride at high speeds or in hot weather. You also need to use suitable grades such as 10w30 motorcycle oil (if it is recommended by your manufacturer guide)

Changing your motorcycle oil in summer will ensure that your bike runs smoothly and efficiently throughout the season.

How to change motorcycle engine oil?

To change your motorbike oil yourself is easier than most of us may expect. Not only it allows you to save money, but also to get to know your bike better. You will need the following basic tools: gloves, a cloth, a funnel, an oil filter wrench, the right oil and an oil filter for your bike. Here are the steps:

• Clean your work area and make sure it is free of dirt and contaminants
• Access the drain plug and oil filter on your bike. You may need to remove some fairings or covers to do so
• Drain the old oil by unscrewing the drain plug and letting it flow into the oil pan. Be careful as the oil may be hot
• Remove the old oil filter and be aware that some oil may spill out so have a cloth ready to catch it
• Install the new oil filter by lubricating its gasket with some new oil and screwing it on by hand until snug. Do not over-tighten it
• Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer if needed and tighten it securely but not too much
• Add new motorcycle engine oil by using a funnel and pouring it into the filler cap until it reaches the correct level on the dipstick or sight glass
• Run the engine for a few minutes and check for leaks around the drain plug and filter
• Turn off the engine and let it cool down before checking the oil level again and adjusting if necessary

Check your tires and make sure they are in good condition

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your motorbike’s tires are fit and properly inflated. Good tires are essential for your safety and performance on the road, therefore, inspect your tires, look for any signs of wear, damage, or punctures.

Also check the tread depth and make sure it meets the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. If you notice any cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns, replace your tires as soon as possible.

As for the tire pressure, use a reliable gauge and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your model and load. Do not overinflate or underinflate tires as this can affect your handling and fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and especially before long trips or when riding in extreme temperatures.

Clean and lubricate your chain

Cleaning your motorcycle chain regularly is essential to preserve the life of the chain and keep it functioning properly. A dirty chain and sprockets will reduce engines’ ability to efficiently transfer power to the rear wheel, sapping the power you enjoy so much.

In summer, dust and dirt can accumulate on your chain more easily, making it rub excessively and wear out faster. So, what do you think would happen if the chain is already contaminated by salt, snow, mud, and other dirt? The damage will be beyond your expectations

How to clean motorbike chain?

Follow these steps to clean the chain properly.

• Put your bike on a stand or use the center stand if it has one
• Make sure the engine is off and the bike is in neutral
• Spray the chain with chain cleaner while rotating the rear wheel to loosen up the dirt and grease
• Using a brush, scrub the chain to remove any stubborn grime. You can also use a rag to wipe off excess cleaner and dirt
• Rinse the chain with water using a hose or a bucket
• Dry the chain with a clean rag or just let it air dry
• Lubricate the chain with a suitable chain lube according to your manufacturer’s instructions

Test your brakes and lights

Testing your brake and lights is a vital part of motorcycle maintenance that can ensure your safety on the road. Brake and lights signals your intentions to other drivers to keep you safe and avoid collisions.

Before hitting the road for a summer ride, it is essential to check your motorcycle’s brake and lights. The brake system is vital for your safety and the performance of your bike.

You should inspect:

• Brake pads
• Discs
• Fluid level
• Hoses

‍