I have experienced long drives adventure and intriguing biking escapades and I can tell you of the two, there is no freedom like the sheer feeling of wind crushing through your face and the adrenaline? That’s on another level. However, freedom comes with great responsibility.
Every vehicle requires occasional servicing for it to last long otherwise your enjoyment will only be short-lived. Therefore, we cannot attach several longevity years to your OEM motorcycle parts before you begin the high road to replacing almost every part of your motorcycle only to realize a new bike would be cheaper. It all depends on your maintenance and usage. I bet prevention is better than cure – even for the engines. The make and model of your motorcycle also contribute to the engine’s life span.
Either way, here are some tips to extend your engine’s life consequently giving you a long life of service and lots of fun!
Table of Contents
Lubricate!
Regular lubrication keeps your bike running smoothly and prevents wear. The most essential element to lubricate is the drive chain. Other spots may include the pivot points of the brake levers and jockey wheels, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and swingarm.
Replace Or Clean The Air Filter
A clogged air filter damages the engine by preventing the correct mixture of fuel and air since impure air penetrates. It is therefore vital to frequently clean your air filter or replace it with a new one to ensure the right amounts of combustion elements are used.
Change Oil
Well, doing the rest and failing to change the engine oil sums up to a futile effort. Replacing your engine oil is the first step to increasing your engine’s lifespan. it is required to use the required grade of engine oil as per the user manual. The frequency of oil replacement is for every 2000 miles covered – although some engines have a longer replacement schedule depending on the manual.
Breaking-In Period
Proper breaking-in is not only recommended for the engine but other parts as well. every car manufacturer has specific rules for the first 1000 miles, or so, for a newly bought engine. Fresh rubber for the tires also requires a breaking-in period of between 50-100 miles. Riding on your new set of tires the same way you would the old ones could ultimately cost you more money.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining correct tire pressure keeps your rubber under even wear, hence a longer period of use. Under- or over-inflated tires will not only bring uneven wear but also increase instability, and makes cornering difficult.
Changing your battery every few years and replacing worn-out brake pads also maintains your bike in good condition.