A Beginner's Guide To Motorcycle Maintenance

Motorcycle maintenance helps promote optimal performance, reduce the need for repairs, and extend the lifespan of the vehicle. There are some tasks best left to professionals, but there are plenty of projects that owners can handle on their own.

We've gathered up the essential motorcycle maintenance tasks below. If you have questions or need professional help, contact Jim Moroney's Inc. The experts in our service department are happy to help. Reach out or stop by our dealership in New Windsor, New York. We also serve those in Newburgh and Cornwall, New York.

Check The Brakes

It's crucial that your motorcycle brakes are maintained. Otherwise, you can end up in a serious accident!

Start by checking the brake fluid levels. Remember to check the front and rear brake reservoirs. Top the fluids off when they get low.

Next, look over the brake pads. If they are corroded or rough, they are due for replacement. If you notice shaking or grinding during braking, you will want to visit a service department. Repairs may be in order.

Check The Tires

Tire tread naturally gets worn down as you ride your motorcycle. Eventually, it will get too low to maintain proper traction with the road's surface and it will be time for a tire replacement. Your owner's manual should tell you when to handle this.

If you notice tread getting worn down at uneven or exceptionally fast rates, there could be a problem. Schedule a service department to get this checked out.

It's also important to regularly check the tire air pressure. Too much or too little inflation can cause a host of issues, from compromised fuel efficiency to increased chance of a blow out. Measure using a tire pressure gauge, check against the manufacturer's recommendations, then adjust accordingly.

Check The Oil

Insert a dipstick, remove, clean it off, and insert again. Make sure the oil is the right color and consistency. If so, simply top it off as needed. If not, you will want to replace the oil and the oil filter.

Chains, Shafts, And Belts

Inspect these various parts to ensure they are in good condition. One easy task you can do yourself is to lubricate these parts every so often.

The chains and belts should also be snug, but with a little bit of slack. If you are extra handy, you can tighten these yourself as needed. Otherwise, visit a service department for this task. 

Need professional motorcycle maintenance? Want to shop motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the friendly staff at Jim Moroney's Inc are ready to help. We can answer questions, handle repairs, provide advice, and more. Contact us or visit our dealership. We are located in New Windsor, New York, and also serve those in Newburgh and Cornwall.