This is a sponsored post written by CMPO motorcycle spares who are responsible for the content.
There are many aspects of motorcycle maintenance and servicing that you can do yourself. There’s no reason not to – it’s cheaper than getting someone else to do it, and you get to know your bike better. While it’s always a good idea to have a model specific manual, all you really need are the right tools and a quick guide, and many jobs can be completed at home. These are some of the top motorcycle maintenance tips:
- Oil – The oil in your bike’s engine is vital for good running and longevity, and it doesn’t take long for it to degrade. For this reason, changing the oil and filter in line with manufacturer recommendations is essential. All that needs to be done is for the plug to be removed from the sump, the oil drained away, and the refilled. The old oil filter screws off and the new one screws on.
- Air Filter – Bikes generally have a flat filter, made from paper or foam. Usually, this easily clips in and out of its housing for cleaning, but if damaged or very dirty it should be replaced. Some are washable, and you must remember to apply oil before fitting. Most air filters and oil filters are very cheap to replace.
- Drive Chain – The drive chain will naturally have a little slack of around 3cm, but it should not be more than this unless your handbook states otherwise. There will be adjusters on the bike so that you can change the tension of the chain to the correct amount.
- Brake Pads – Having brakes that work as they should is essential. For this reason, the pads should be checked often. Eventually the material will wear away, and the pads must be changed before this happens in order to avoid compromised braking ability. Pads are generally easily removed from the caliper.
- Lubrication – There are plenty of levers, cables and pivots on a bike that are in constant movement, such as the stand. These should be oiled to ensure they move without excessive friction, which can impair their use and cause early degradation.
These are all simple parts of what should be a regular maintenance schedule. You can save money doing jobs yourself, but you can also save a considerable amount of money in the future. Proper maintenance prolongs the life of mechanical components on your bike. CMPO motorcycle spares have a huge range of parts for Chinese motorcycles, so if you need any of the parts used in maintenance, like filters, then it’s a great place to buy from. There are detailed engine diagrams making it easy for users to quickly identify their required parts.