Local expert shares tips on how to maintain your bike
Top tips to keep your bike in great condition
LIMPOPO – Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club President, Sarel Nong, says you don’t have to have the mechanical know-how of a MotoGP technician to perform simple home-servicing tasks; all you need are the right tools and no fear of getting a little dirty.
He shared a few tips on how to keep your ride running like a dream:
1. Pump your tires – Under-inflated tyres tend to affect handling and braking as the lack of pressure means the tyre wall isn’t firm enough to properly cope with the forces exerted on it. On the other hand, over-inflated tyres can result in deterioration in handling, as well as a reduced contact patch with the road. This can result in a lack of grip under braking.
2. Get the correct chain tension and lubricate the chains well – Incorrect chain tension can result in premature sprocket and gearbox wear, non-smooth gearshifts, snaggy transmission, it could also hamper your bike’s rear suspension travel and reduce the life of your bike’s drive-chain.
3. Check the acid levels of your batteries – Place the battery on a level surface. If the level is low then top up with de-ionised water before placing the battery on charge, using a car or motorcycle charger. Remember not to overfill it as acid will drain out the overflow pipe when you’re on the move. Many modern batteries are sealed, so you won’t be able to top them up.
4. Check your bike’s coolant level – Check your owner’s manual to locate your bike’s ‘expansion’ tank if it has one; high and low levels should be marked on the outside of the translucent tank. Alternatively, remove the radiator filler cap to check the level. Only do this when the water is cold.
5. Ensure you regularly do an oil and filter change – With the engine warmed through, remove the bike’s oil filler cap, place a tray under the bike and remove the sump plug. Ensure you removing the correct bolt; it should be the biggest one on the sump, usually on the bottom or on the side.
6. Oil and adjust your bike cable – Over time, the oil or grease put into the cable housing in the manufacturing process will dry out, leaving your bike’s throttle or clutch action impaired.
7. Change the spark plug – Make sure you have the correct plugs for your bike; the code number on each one will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
8. Grease your bike – The easiest task is to get hold of a tin or spray grease and work your way around the bike, lubricating footrest hinges, levers, locks, stand hinges and as we’ve mentioned previously, cables. Just be careful you don’t spray any on the brake discs.
9. Check and replace brake pads – A workshop manual, the right tools and the correct pads are a starting point; never tackle this job unless you’re totally confident in what you’re doing. Ask a knowledgeable mate to lend a hand if you’re unsure.
10. Clean your bike – Cleaning your bike thoroughly on a regular basis also gives you the chance to spot anything that might be mechanically amiss.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
