Support your motorcycle when you are new to mechanics

This handy guide will show you how to care for your motorcycle at home. After all, it is not always necessary to go to the garage to perform maintenance on your motorcycle. Inspection and maintenance activities are usually easy to complete if you have a little time, space to work with, and the right tools. Motorcycle maintenance is essential to keep the motorcycle in top condition, reliable and to limit mechanical problems. So where do you start servicing your motorcycle yourself? How to keep a motorcycle at home? Discover all the information to successfully service your 2 wheels as a beginner mechanic!

Caring for a motorcycle like a beginner is possible

Like any car, the motorcycle requires frequent maintenance in order to guarantee good performance, as well as keep various mechanical parts. This is why manufacturers recommend several periodic checks to replace consumables.

However, many bikers like to take care of their bikes themselves... Indeed, it is not uncommon to see some motorcyclists perform multiple changes of engine oil or brake fluid several times a year.

Taking care of your motorcycle first and foremost keeps it in top condition because you choose the engine oil or even brake fluid that is best for your use. But also, home renovation means significant savings compared to the price of a major overhaul at a car dealership.

Moreover, these maintenance steps are relatively simple as long as you take the lead and have all the tools at your disposal. If you are new to mechanics, it is easy to get your motorcycle repaired at home.

However, this it is not recommended to service the motorcycle yourself if the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty... Indeed, motorcycle manufacturers require various modifications to be made to their workshops. In addition, repairs and other actions that you perform on the motorcycle can turn against you, for example, in the event of a breakdown or engine problem. Some dealers are very cautious about modifying and repairing a car when problems arise.

Motorcycle Startup Care: Basic Maintenance

When you start out in motorcycle mechanics, you don't always know how to do it and what maintenance steps to take. So where do you start servicing your motorcycle when you're a beginner? What are the basic checks to do on a motorcycle? How to do routine maintenance on your motorcycle? We're going to list for you the basic checks and maintenance you can perform on your motorcycle, even if you're just getting started with mechanics.

Essential mechanical tools for any new mechanic

First of all, you should know that mechanics are like DIY. It's necessary must be equipped with the correct tools... No tools are required to check the level, but other basic actions such as recharging the battery or tensioning the chain will force you to take out the toolbox. Here are all the motorcycle parts and accessories you will need to get started with motorcycle mechanics.

To perform routine maintenance on your motorcycle in the garage, you mustYou have at least the following tools at home :

• Screwdrivers.
• Ratchet socket wrench set.
• Combination wrench sets with hexagon socket, torx, pipe and flat.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, because we have listed the basic tools for conducting inspections and final actions on a motorcycle. This is just right for beginner mechanics! However, you will need more technical tools such as a torque wrench for more extensive service. Moreover, some maintenance tasks will require you to have certain kits for example, a drain kit for changing a motorcycle engine oil or a brake bleeder for changing brake fluid.

Main tasks of motorcycle maintenance and inspection

The motorcycle requires several checks and maintenance. It is not always clear where to start the mechanics in this case. To help you get started servicing your motorcycle like a pro, here is a list of the maintenance to do on your motorcycle if you are an amateur mechanic with little knowledge.

Checking the level of various liquids

To work in good conditions and not get worse, motorcycle engine needs constant lubrication and cooling. Engine oil and coolant are consumables that fulfill this role.

Therefore should check the level of these fluids regularly... It couldn't be easier. Each motorcycle is equipped with a graduated sight glass with a minimum maximum level, most often on the left side next to the gear selector, to check for sufficient engine oil. For coolant, the reservoir is also graduated and is often located on the front right side of the motorcycle next to the radiator.

Finally, you should also check the brake fluid level. To do this, you need to check the graduated jar on the handlebars of the motorcycle. The fluid should be between the "minimum" and "maximum" levels. And since the bike also has a rear brake, you need to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir at the back, which is usually near the rear suspension.

Cleaning and lubricating the chain

A chain is an element that will allow you to transfer the movement of the motor to the rear wheel. To do this, the chain will be subjected to harsh conditions: temperatures, friction, etc. In addition, the chain also becomes a victim of stones and dust. The problem is that a badly maintained motorcycle chain wears out quickly and, above all, its performance is greatly reduced.

Therefore, you must clean the chain from dust and other pieces of resin and stuck stones... All you need to do is apply an O-ring compatible chain cleaner. You can also use a motorcycle chain brush to make cleaning easier.

After the chain is cleaned and dry, all you have to do is apply motorcycle chain lubricant uniformly along the entire length of the chain. Be sure to apply the product over the chain, but also on the sides to lubricate the entire chain.

Checking the chain tension

La chain tension is key to a smooth and enjoyable transmission... In addition, a loose chain is a source of serious problems. You wouldn't want your chain to clap while driving. The chain tension should be checked approximately every 500 km.

Here is a video tutorial explaining how easy it is to control motorcycle chain tension. :

Tire pressure monitoring

As you already know, tires are the interface between the road and the motorcycle. Under-inflated tires improve traction to a certain extent, but burn out much faster and increase fuel consumption. Over-inflated tires will have the opposite effect: much less grip, but less wear and tear.

Therefore should make sure you inflate the front and rear wheels to the recommended pressure by the manufacturer of the motorcycle or road tire. It is recommended to check the tire pressure of the motorcycle and, if necessary, adjust it with a compressor at least once or twice a month.

Cleaning fairings and rims

. bikers love to take care of their motorcycle by cleaning it often... Indeed, the fairings get dirty quickly, and grease is regularly produced on the motorcycle rim, especially on the rear wheel. Regular cleaning keeps your motorcycle in top condition and eliminates the need to wipe off traces of oil and other contaminants. To do this, bikers have a choice between cleaning the motorcycle with a high pressure cleaner, cleaning by hand with a bucket and sponge, or even using cleaning wipes.

However, when washing with a high pressure water jet, it is advisable to allow the motorcycle engines to cool down and close the outlet to prevent water from entering the channel.

Manufacturers are increasingly equipping motorcycles with colored rims. We do not recommend the use of very caustic or strong agents that can damage the paint on the rims. Instead, opt for a disc cleaner.

Charging the motorcycle battery

Over the winter, or if you don't ride regularly, your motorcycle's battery can run out. A discharged battery can cause startup difficulties, but not limited to. Latest motorcycles with a lot of electronics and these options require a fully charged battery.

Therefore, you should pay attention to check if the battery is charged properly with a charger... This device will recharge the battery if needed. We recommend the TecMate Optimate 3 charger, which is ideal for motorcycle batteries during testing.

More complex scheduled motorcycle maintenance

Once you have mastered the checks and maintenance listed above, you will most likely want to continue servicing your motorcycle. Usually, Less novice mechanics happily perform the following tasks in their garage :

• Replacing the engine oil and oil filter.
• Front and rear brake fluid bleeding.
• Replacing the air filter.
• Replacing spark plugs.

But be careful, both changing engine oil and bleeding brake fluid are simple operations. Replacing the air filter and changing spark plugs can be tricky. These consumables are often located in hard-to-reach places, requiring the removal of several fairings and the fuel tank.

Caring for your motorcycle at home: basic advice

If this is your first time doing mechanical work on your motorcycle, you probably fear losing screws or running into problems re-assembling various parts. This fear is quite justified, since we are talking about the main mistakes of novice mechanics: poor organization and inattention to dismantling.

To avoid these problems during motorcycle maintenance or repair, you must put these tips into practice :

• To have at hand your motorcycle user's manual and, if possible, a repair manual... These documents are provided by your dealer when you buy your motorcycle, but you can easily find them on the Internet. The online versions also allow keyword research, which allows you to find the page you are looking for very quickly. Inside you will find technical specifications regarding engine oil selection, frequency of maintenance, and manuals explaining how to proceed.
• Before proceeding with any action on the motorcycle, inform yourself. To do this, you just need watch the video tutorial which will explain you step by step how to care for your motorcycle. There are tutorials for every model of Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, ... Whether in French or English, you will learn how to easily remodel it later in your garage.
• Take pictures before disassembling the part. Using your smartphone, you need take a photo before disassembling the part... Disassembly is always easy, it is with reassembly that things get more complicated. With pictures of the initial assembly, you will no longer have doubts about taking proper care of your motorcycle.
• Be organized when loosening and removing parts. Novice mechanics have a habit of disassembling parts and taking out screws and then laying them on the floor. The problem is that after the part has been replaced, everything has to be reassembled in the exact order. Therefore it is recommended put screws and other parts in different containers in chronological order... This way you will know which container contains the details for the current step.