Motorcycle service involves the repair, adjustment, or overhaul of motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, or dirt bikes. Mechanics diagnose, adjust, or repair engine or transmission components and perform testing.
Maintenance varies depending on the type of bike and riding conditions. For example, dirt bikes need the chain adjusted every 30 minutes of riding while sport and dual sport bikes need it at 500 miles and 600 miles correspondingly.
Oil Change
Getting an oil change is a critical step in keeping your motorbike service schedule on track. It is important to have the oil and filter changed regularly because they are essential to keeping your engine running smoothly, lubricated and clean.
During an oil change, the mechanic drains your old oil and replaces it with new oil according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. They also change your oil filter and install a new one.
The recommended oil change interval for most engines is somewhere between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, depending on your driving habits. You should get your oil changed more often than that if you drive in extreme conditions like dusty roads or high temperatures.
A regular motorcycle service is a great way to avoid expensive repairs in the future. Having your bike properly maintained and following a maintenance schedule will help ensure that your engine lasts the longest.
Oil Filter
An oil filter is a vital part of your motorbike service. It ensures your engine oil is filtered out of dirt and other contaminants, helping to keep your engine clean and running efficiently for longer.
An important quality to look for is particle capture efficiency, which indicates how well an oil filter removes small particles from the oil. This performance property is a large component of the premium price you pay for good oil filtration, and helps to determine your reliability objectives (see the chart below).
Another critical characteristic of oil filters is their pressure-flow characteristics. These are measured using a standard protocol from SAE J1858 and HS 806.
This means that oil filters with higher pressure-flow characteristics will perform better in normal operating conditions. This is because they will deliver a larger flow of oil at high rpms. This helps to prevent oil starvation in the engine, which is a common cause of engine wear and damage.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs play a crucial role in the ignition system of your motorcycle. They help the fuel-air mixture burn efficiently, which leads to better performance and reduced emissions.
The condition of your motorcycle’s spark plugs will tell you whether they need to be replaced or not. If they’re black, oily, or broken, it’s time for a new set.
Next, check the cylinder head threads to see if they are clean and free of debris. If they’re not, lubricate them with a little grease or spray lubricant before installing your spark plugs.
Finally, use a spark plug gap gauge to make sure the proper gap is in place. If it isn’t, you need to slightly bend the outer electrode until you get the right gap. This is important because it ensures the spark plug will be properly seated and that it won’t over-tighten or strip out of your cylinder head’s threads.
Transmission Fluid
The transmission is a vital component to any motorbike. It works with the clutch to switch gears as your vehicle goes faster and slows down.
It’s important to change your transmission fluid regularly, as it degrades over time. This can lead to problems like noise, clutch slippage, and overheating of your transmission components.
If you want to avoid a costly repair, be sure to replace your transmission fluid at regular intervals as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
When you’re choosing a brand, look for big name brands that have been in business for years, or respected smaller ones that are backed by a trusted company.
If you need a high-quality transmission fluid, choose Valvoline Maxlife Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. It provides superior oil flow, anti-shudder performance and oxidation protection for a smooth shifting experience.