Motorcycle maintenance – complete guide

Good maintenance of your motorcycle is essential to ensure good performance and prolong its useful life. Since many of its components, such as the chain, filters or brakes, are more exposed, it is advisable to pay particular attention to each of them.

In this article we answer questions such as how often to do a full motorcycle inspection, what items on your motorcycle you should take care of, how to do it, and much more.

Take care of every detail and make the most of this complete guide to motorcycle maintenance.

Complete guide to motorcycle maintenance

Like any vehicle, it is inevitable to take the motorcycle to the workshop for periodic inspection. But beyond this, however, the motorcycling spirit leads many lovers of «two wheels» to pay particular attention to the mechanics.

Take note of these tips to keep your motorcycle in good condition.

1. Cleaning the motorcycle is essential

Having a clean motorcycle is not just an aesthetic issue. Being exposed to the most diverse atmospheric conditions, humidity, dust and normal wear damage its components more easily. Therefore, it is advisable to include periodic cleaning as a routine in your motorcycle maintenance.

To wash your motorbike, use a sponge and a specific motorbike detergent, which you will easily find on the market. Use only neutral detergents and, in addition to the sponge, you can use a soft bristle toothbrush. It is always preferable to wash the motorcycle in the shade and let it dry in the open air. This, of course, when time permits.

✅Tip! Avoid washing your motorcycle using pressurized water, as it may damage some elements. We also do not recommend the use of non-specific products, as they are abrasive and could damage the paintwork and other components.

2. The condition of the tires

Safety on two wheels largely depends on the condition of the tires. To ensure good maintenance of your motorcycle, ensure that the tire tread has a depth of at least 1.6 mm. Also observe whether the tires have cuts or deformations.

It is recommended to check tire pressure regularly. To do this, always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and check that it is within the specified parameters. Asphalt adhesion depends on it!

At Generali Tranquilidade, with our Motorcycle insurancein addition to compulsory civil liability insurance, you will have assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident, in Portugal or in Europe and in the countries of the Mediterranean basin and, if you wish, you can add other coverages, such as, for example, the guarantee for damage to helmets and suits.

3. Oil levels

In the case of motorbikes, oil plays a fundamental role in their proper functioning. A good image to understand this is to think about our heart: when the engine is running, it lubricates the components, preventing them from wearing out due to friction. Therefore, maintaining good oil levels is essential for motorcycle maintenance.

✅ Remember! Experts recommend checking the oil level every 30 days or every 10,000 kilometers.

4. The state of the current

If your vehicle has a chain, you should pay special attention to it. Correct tension, good lubrication and regular cleaning reduce the risk of chain breakage.

Remember to inspect the chain regularly to ensure good maintenance of the motorcycle.

Is the tension well regulated? Never exceed 5 cm of free space. Is it clean? It is recommended to lubricate it every 500 kilometers or weekly. Only use lubricating products suitable for motorcycle chains.

✅ Tip! You can use grease with a brush, but avoid using too much. Excess mass tends to concentrate more sand and other dirt in the current.

5. The condition of the brakes

Brakes that show wear will lose the ability to react when needed. And this will increase the risks while driving! To avoid this, it is advisable to check the brake fluid and pads from time to time.

To do this, simply check the level in the brake fluid reservoir weekly and make sure it remains at maximum capacity.

As for the pads, if they show signs of wear, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Signs of wear are, for example: scratched or erased wear indicators (grooves or cracks), unevenly worn pads, squeaking or squeaking sounds when braking.