Motorcycle Maintenance Every Owner Can Do

When people think “motorcycle maintenance”, they often picture sitting in the waiting room while a mechanic works their magic on their broken down motorcycle. Sure, there are some aspects of maintenance best handled by a professional. But there are some basic steps you can take to help your motorcycle ride smoother, safer, and longer (and save you from costly repairs down the road). We created a beginner’s guide to motorcycle maintenance below. For all maintenance beyond your ability, bring your motorcycle to Cool Springs Powersports. We proudly serve those near Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee.

Brakes

Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency situation. You never want to ride when these are compromised! For them to run smoothly, you’ll need to ensure you got enough brake fluid. Check the front and rear wheel levels and top off the fluid if needed. Brake pads should be replaced when they get worn down. If you notice any squeaking, pulsating, or grinding, it could be a warning sign of an issue. Take it in for maintenance as soon as possible.

Tires

Your tires play a large role in the safety and smoothness of your ride. Measure your tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge and make sure it’s within the recommendation of your owner’s manual. Check in the morning when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading. Too much inflation reduces the amount of contact the tires have with the road. Too little inflation makes it hard for tires to cope with the forces pressing down on them.

Another key thing to check is your tire’s tread. Tread helps your wheels maintain traction with the road. Over time, the tread wears down naturally. When there is too little tread, it’s harder to grip the road and your chances of losing control of your motorcycle increase. Replace your tires when the tread gets worn down too much (the owner’s manual should provide a measurement). Know that improper inflation pressure and improper tire alignment can wear tread down faster. If you notice one tire gets worn down faster, it may indicate one of those issues.

Chains, Shafts, and Belts

Power goes from the motorcycle engine through a series of chains, shafts, and belts. Each of these parts needs to be in good repair and lubricated well. The belt needs to be adjusted just right. Too tight and it could strain the material. Too loose and it could come loose.

Fuel

Be aware of your motorcycle’s fuel filter. When it becomes clogged, it will drain power. Replace the fuel filter anytime you hear a sputtering sound or when you struggle to start the engine.

If you don’t ride your motorcycle often, you will want to use a higher octane fuel. Ethanol-heavy fuels can become a corrosive sludge after sitting inside too long.

Windshields

As you ride your motorcycle, the windshield gets dirty. You’ll need to wash off the debris, mud, water, and bugs. But be sure not to scrub too hard - that can scratch the surface. If something is caked on, place a soapy towel on it for a few minutes. This will loosen it up so you can gently wipe it off.

When you need maintenance done, take your motorcycle to Cool Springs Powersports. Our service department and parts replacement department can get your motorcycle running smoothly again. We also provide a large range of new and used motorcycles for sale if you are looking to upgrade. We proudly serve those in Franklin, Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee as well as Huntsville, Alabama.