Keep Your Biike Booming 
 

For many Bangaloreans, bikes have become an inseparable part of their lives. It is important to maintain that bike well for easy and risk-free riding.. Maintaining a bike means regular pre-ride checks, monthly checks and then yearly maintenance, including tune-ups. It can be a jolly-good ride if bike owners look into the following:

 

 ·  Check your tyre treads at least once a week. Look for cuts and scrapes on your tyres, which could cause a blowout. Add air pressure as needed. Many blowouts are the result of low air pressure.

 

 ·  Investigate both wheels for loose or missing spokes. Check the rims for dents or cracks.

 

·  Lift the wheel off the ground. Spin it and watch the motion. Listen for noise and move it to check for looseness.

 

·  Check the sprockets for worn teeth and oil the chain. 

 

 Watch out for missing or loose bolts, nuts or cotter pins. Keep your bike clean so it's easier to spot missing parts.

 

·  Adjust the brakes so that, when they are applied fully, the wheel is locked (see owner's manual for instructions).

Follow a regular maintenance schedule using owner's manual and the following list:

 

·  Check tyre pressure and visually inspect the tyres before every ride. Check the wheel bearings once a year.

 

·  Check the oil level before each ride. Change the oil and filter at least every 2,000 miles. It is good if oil and filter are changed for every 1000 miles.

 

·  Check the brake cables and operation before every ride. Check the thickness of the pads and/or shoes every month. Change the brake fluid every 2 years.

 

·  Check the suspension and chassis for loose nuts and bolts and leaks. Lubricate the swing arm bearing monthly. Change the fork oil every 2 years.

 

·  Replace the spark plugs every year. Replace the spark plug wires every 2 years.

 

·  Check and adjust the engine valves yearly.

 

·  Replace the air filter every year.

 

·  Check for adjusting and lubricating the chain once in a week.

Inspect the motorcycle carefully and fix things right away if you note potential trouble. That's the only way to spot problems before they result in a mishap.