10 tips from the mechanic to take care of your motorbike

Maintenance is essential to ensure the safety, performance and longevity of the motorbike. For this reason, it is good to follow the advice of an experienced and qualified mechanic who knows how to intervene effectively and professionally. But what are the main tips a motorbike mechanic gives to a motorcyclist?

1. Check fluid levels regularly.

Engine oil, coolant and brake fluid are essential for the functioning of the motorbike and must always be kept within the limits indicated by the manufacturer. If levels are too low or too high, they can cause damage to the engine, cooling system, brakes and clutch.

In order to check the fluids in the motorbike, it is necessary to identify the reservoirs or plugs where they are contained. The main fluids to check are:

• Engine oil, which serves to lubricate the internal parts of the engine and to dissipate heat. The oil level is checked through a sight glass on the side of the crankcase, which has two measurement marks called ‘max’ and ‘min’. The level must be between these two marks.
• The brake fluid is used to transmit pressure from the brake lever and pedal to the pads that bite into the disc. The fluid level is checked via a transparent reservoir located on the handlebar next to the brake lever and near the rear brake pedal. The reservoir has two measurement marks called “max” and “min”. The level must be between these two marks.
• The coolant is used to maintain the engine temperature within optimum limits. The fluid level is checked via an auxiliary reservoir. The reservoir has two measurement marks called “max” and “min”. The level must be between these two marks.

2. Check the condition of the tyres.

Tyres are the point of contact between the motorbike and the road and must always be in good condition, both for road holding and stability. To check the condition of your tyres, check the pressure, tread and wear. The tread must be more than 1.6 mm, which is the legal limit. The wear must be even and show no signs of cuts, deformation or bubbles.
How much should you inflate the tyres? Motorbike tyre pressure depends on the type of motorbike, tyre type, load and temperature. The correct pressure for your motorbike is the one specified by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual or on the tyre shoulder.
To check the pressure, you need to use a tyre pressure gauge, which you should have at home together with a compressor.
It is important to check the pressure when the tyres are cold, before riding, and at least once a month. If the pressure is too high or too low, you must top up or deflate the tyre. Remember that tyre pressure affects the safety, performance and consumption of your bike.

3. Clean and lubricate your chain.

The chain is one of the most stressed parts of the bike and requires regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent it from oxidising, stretching or breaking. To clean the chain, a special spray or a cloth soaked in white oil can be used. To lubricate it, a special spray can be used. Chain lubrication should be done about every 500 km or after riding in rainy, muddy or dusty conditions. Cleaning should be done when the chain is visibly dirty.

4. Check the bike before each outing

Before setting off, check the general condition of the bike: tyres, indicators, lights (low and high beam), number plate light, even the horn. Everything must be in good working order to avoid penalties or worse.

5. Wash the bike

The motorbike should be washed regularly to remove dirt, grease, insects and salt if you ride on cold weather roads. To wash the bike, you can use a neutral detergent, a soft sponge, a dry cloth and a brush for hard-to-reach parts. You can use a pressure washer, but be careful with the jet and the angle of the nozzle. Also remember to avoid washing the bike when it is hot, so as not to create thermal shocks. Just keep it off for about ten minutes.
Equally important is drying, which should be done with a compressor to prevent water from stagnating and creating rust, or just a few minutes.

6. Keep the battery charged if you are not using the motorbike

The motorbike must be stored properly when not in use for long periods, such as in winter or during holidays. You can connect the battery to a battery maintainer to prevent it from being discharged or damaged. If you do not have a power connection in your garage, you can disconnect the battery and connect it to a battery maintainer at home.
The maintainer should never be disconnected from the power supply.

7. Keep the bike off the ground if you won’t be using it for a while

If you are on holiday or plan not to use it for some time, lift it with stands to prevent contact of the tyres with the ground. This will prevent possible tyre deformation.

8. Do not start the motorbike if you are not using it

Starting the motorbike in the garage/garage in winter without using it to go out is wrong and can cause premature engine wear. It is absolutely inadvisable to increase the engine revs by accelerating (gassing) when starting because the oil is not in the circulation but in the lower parts of the engine.

9. When not in use, it is better to have a full tank

It depends on the type of tank, but if it is metal, it is advisable to fill it and keep it full throughout the period of non-use. This will prevent rust, condensation and possible engine problems.

10. Check your brake pads

Motorbike brake pads consist of a metal plate in contact with the caliper, onto which a layer of material of varying composition is placed. This material, once the brake lever is pulled, will create friction on the disc, hindering its rotation and thus causing your bike to decelerate.
To check a motorbike’s brake pads, look at the thickness of the pads near the disc and calipers. If they are too thin, they are worn and need to be replaced. You can use a torch or inspection light to get a better look. Some pads also have a groove that indicates the wear limit.

In general, you should check your brake pads every 5,000 km or every six months, depending on how much you use your bike.

If you have any doubts, you can always ask your mechanic or consult your bike’s manual.

Thank you for your valuable support De Negri Moto
The information contained in this text was provided by a professional mechanic during the Basic Motorcycle Maintenance Course dedicated to female motorcyclists.