Common Motorcycle Repairs You Should Know Part II

As the owner of a motorcycle, you already know the thrill that comes with riding on the open road. If you are a new motorcycle owner, then you may not yet realize how much joy a bike can provide when you aren’t even on the road. Generations of motorcyclists have found maintaining and caring for their bike to be an enjoyable hobby, and like them, you too can become an expert on motorcycle repair. Better yet, RC Components can provide you with custom motorcycle wheels and parts for when you want to make your bike the best ride in town.

In the first part of this series, we began discussing common motorcycle repairs any rider should know how to make. That post covered electrical and tire maintenance, while today’s post will help you understand more basic types of maintenance you can learn to perform on your motorcycle. Read on to discover more and feel free to browse the RC Components catalog for custom motorcycle parts that will make heads turn when you ride by.

Change the Oil

Anyone who owns a vehicle with an engine should know that they need to change the oil at some point. Motorcycles are no different, although changing oil on your bike will probably be a little easier than changing oil on your car. By learning how to change the oil on your motorcycle, you will gain a better understanding of how your bike works and gain more confidence when other, more complicated repairs need to be made.

If you already know how to change oil in a car, then you have a head start when it comes to changing oil in a motorcycle. The process is extremely similar, except you can often change the oil on a motorcycle while sitting down or without getting on the ground. When you change your oil, you should definitely consider buying oil made specifically for motorcycles. While it may seem like any motor oil would work, most motorcycles use a wet clutch, which means that the oil will undergo more than it would in a car. Add to the longevity of your motorcycle by using oil designed for it.

Just like cars, motorcycles may utilize different types of oil filters, so be sure to get the right one. Cautious owners replace their oil filters every time they change their oil, and you may choose to do that, too. Depending on the type of filter on your bike, you might consider purchasing a strap wrench to make it easier to get the filter off of the motorcycle.

Changing oil may be one of the best ways to start performing your own maintenance on your motorcycle. It is a relatively straightforward process, and it can become even easier with a motorcycle stand. If you would learn how to change the oil on the specific bike you own, then consult the owner’s manual and try watching a video online to see the process unfold.

Fuel System Repairs

Many experienced riders will tell you that fuel system repairs are some of the most common they make. Similarly to electrical repairs, this is especially true because more of the fuel system is exposed to the elements and motorcycles often sit for long periods of time without being started. If your motorcycle is not starting, then chances are there is something wrong with either the fuel system or the electrical system.

When your motorcycle does not start and you suspect the fuel system is to blame, you should strongly consider the possibility that your bike is not getting enough fuel or that the system has become contaminated in some way. Sometimes choking your bike will help. If choking does not help, then you may want to try adding a fuel stabilizer in an effort to increase the quality of the fuel in the motorcycle. To avoid these issues in the future, drain your gas tank when you put the bike away for long periods of time. It will also help to learn more about how your motorcycle functions and find an expert who can assist you through any issues that come your way.

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

Many motorcycles use a chain to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. If your motorcycle has a chain, then you should have some idea how to care for it. When a chain is old, worn down, improperly lubricated, or put on wrong, it can make your ride uncomfortable and lead to catastrophic failures on the road.

The simplest way to care for your chain is to learn how to lubricate it. When you lubricate your chain, you get the chance to see how well it is working and check on the status of the sprockets. It is crucial to realize that lubricant itself can get dirty and old, so sometimes it is wise to use a degreaser to get old lubricant off your chain and replace it with new chain lube.

You might also consider learning how to replace and tighten your chain. Over time, motorcycle chains often loosen up, which can make your ride noisy and dangerous. The service manual for your motorcycle will explain how to adjust the chain. Just be sure to adjust both sides of the chain evenly!

Get Custom Motorcycle Wheels From RC Components

Hopefully today’s post has been informative and helped you understand the common repairs faced by motorcyclists. If you are new to owning a motorcycle, then you may not realize that RC Components has been a go-to supplier of customized motorcycle parts since 1989. We got our start in custom motorcycle wheels, but quickly began applying our expertise to custom exhaust headers, slip-on mufflers, air cleaners, and other custom accessories.

Whether you want to put stylish one-piece forged wheels on your motorcycle, or you want to learn about motorcycle drag wheels, we can help. Browse our catalog today to see how you can begin customizing your bike and get the ride you always dreamed of having. If you have any questions about finding parts, the quality of our products, or our company itself, then feel free to give us a call or send an email. We are thrilled to help you get started.