Season for motorcyclists - check what you should check

Content

What will you learn from this post?
TL, д-
Lights
Tires
chain
Candles
butter
battery
Suspension and bearings
Braking system

This year, spring will delight you with wonderful weather. Two-wheeled sports enthusiasts probably wiped the dust off their motorcycles and hit the road. But is everyone well prepared for the season? On a short cut, if you follow the rules and common sense, a few breakdowns can really hurt you. However, the holidays are approaching, and with them longer trips. Check what you have to check on your bike so you don't endanger yourself and others.

What will you learn from this post?

What should be checked regularly on a motorcycle?
What headlights are required on a motorcycle?
How to check the tire wear status?
Which motorcycle oil should you choose?
How do I care for my motorcycle battery?
Which parts of the brake system should be replaced regularly?

TL, д-

Riding a motorcycle will give a lot of unforgettable experiences. Anyone who has ever tried it knows this. However, it is also much more dangerous than traveling by car. A motorcycle is less visible than a car, and a motorcyclist, unprotected by a steel body, is more exposed to the consequences of an accident. The key to success is careful driving and good technical condition of the car. What must be checked at least once a season on your motorcycle? What you see first: headlights, tires, chain. As well as all the elements that ensure the efficient operation of the motorcycle: engine with oil and spark plugs, battery, suspension. And the brakes are a must!

Lights

In Poland, car lighting operates 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, driving with inoperative headlights may result in a fine... The motorcycle must be equipped with high beam, low beam, brake light, direction indicators, tail light and license plate light Oraz rear reflectors a shape other than a triangle. In addition, the law permits the use of front and side reflectors, daytime running lights, fog lights and emergency lights.

When choosing new headlights for your two-wheeled vehicle, pay attention to the type of light source, its brightness and impact resistance. Buy only bulbs with approval for public roads from well-known manufacturers such as Philips, Osram.

Tires

No one needs to be reminded that riding a motorcycle with saggy tires carries a lot of risk. Therefore, before going on a tour it is worth checking pressure level in tires. If you don't have a compressor or pressure gauge at home, don't worry - you'll find a stationary compressor at most gas stations.

Also check tire wear... Riding a motorcycle with old tires is dangerous and, if checked by the police, could result in a fine and registration certificate. How can I check if my tires are fit for use? Measurement tread groove profile along the edges of the tire. The minimum allowable depth is 1,6 mm.

chain

The chain also requires regular inspection and lubrication. Check if gears are not wornand all the chain is too tight or too tight... It is best to run the engine a few meters, making sure that the system moves correctly.

Candles

Most motorcycles are equipped with a spark ignition engine. If your car belongs to them, check the condition of the spark plugs regularly. To do this, they will have to be squeezed out and carefully examined. A dark electrode may indicate dirty air filter or too much force has been applied to tighten it. In turn, a white precipitate means hazardous additives in oilwhich could ignite the bulb and damage the engine. In this case, it is probably time to change the oil type.

butter

It is extremely important to change your engine oil regularly. In this matter, you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The standard is an oil change at a mileage of about 6 thousand. - 7 thousand kilometers. When changing the oil, also replace filters... If you're not a beginner, you may have already done this at the start of the season. anyway do not forget to check the oil level also in summer... Remember that longer trips, higher speeds, and higher revs result in faster fluid consumption.

Motorcycle season - check what you should check

battery

Before locking your motorcycle for the long winter months in a dark garage, did you remove the battery and put it in a warm, dry place? Otherwise, you may have to replace battery... Anyway, before the season begins forever, check alternator charging voltage... To do this, set the meter to the voltmeter function, connect the red wire to the positive on the battery, and the black wire to the negative, then start the engine and turn on the light. Increase engine speed slowly and observe the pressure gauge reading. At medium speeds, the voltage should be within between 13,8 V and 14,6 V... Other values indicate a malfunctioning voltage regulator or alternator, or a drop in the motorcycle's electrical system.

In the event of an unexpected power drop, it is worth bringing with you a microprocessor-based charger adapted for charging batteries of small motorcycles, for example, from CTEK.

Suspension and bearings

Manufactured bearings make the motorcycle does not drive well... This is especially true for the steering column bearing, which wear makes it difficult to control the machine and can vibrate the machine even at low speeds. It's the same with the suspension. If the shock absorbers look like scratched and damagedthis is a sign that they are replaceable. It is also time to change them when the bike gives the impression that it is "wobbling".

Braking system

They require control brake hoses, disc and pad thickness, brake fluid... The service life of brake discs ranges from 40 to 80 thousand. kilometers. Also, the blocks have their own strength, indicated by the manufacturer (most often indicated on the facing with a special cutout). In turn, brake fluid is hygroscopic, and the absorption of moisture by it causes a lower boiling point and a decrease in braking efficiency. Replace it at least once every 2 years!

It is better to outsource the complex work on the brake system to the service department, as it is one of the most important safety elements while riding a motorcycle.