There’s an old adage in engineering that states, “The fewer the moving parts, the better.” Since motorcycles have many moving parts working together in harmony, it’s likely that sooner or later you’ll encounter an issue that needs to be addressed.
The good news is, while there are probably a thousand things that could go wrong, the most common mechanical issues have relatively easy fixes. Read on as Cycle Trader discusses the most common issues mechanics encounter, and how to resolve them.
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Tires
The tires are literally where the rubber meets the road, so it’s no surprise they endure the brunt of your travels. It’s a good idea to check the air pressure in your tires before every ride, especially if you’re going a long distance. Also, check for unusual tread wear or bald spots.
Even if your tires are in good shape and the air pressure is optimal, you never know when life might throw you a curve, and you hit something on the road that puts one of your tires out of commission. If this happens while you’re riding, make a slow and controlled trip to a safe spot off the road. Ease back on the throttle and avoid sudden turns or movements. If you have a repair kit, you can attempt to patch the tire long enough to get to a tire shop. If not, you may need to contact roadside assistance.
Electrical
If you’re having trouble starting your motorcycle, your starter sounds weak, you experience a loss of acceleration power while riding, or your headlights are dimmer than usual, you likely have an electrical issue. Start by checking the battery. If it’s old and has a lot of miles, you may need a new one. Check the cable connections for corrosion where they attach to the battery terminals. It may just be a matter of cleaning the corrosion with a wire brush to increase contact. Also, make sure all connections are tight once you’ve cleaned them.
If your horn or turn signals stop working but everything else seems fine, it’s likely a fuse issue, which you can resolve quickly if you have the right fuses and can find the faulty one.
If you’ve checked the basics and still have problems, it might be time to visit a professional who can run a diagnostic test to identify the issue.
Brakes
If you feel a shimmy when braking or notice longer stopping distances, there may be a problem with your brakes. Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or cracked brake lines that leak fluid are common culprits. Pitted brake rotors can also cause issues. Check your brake fluid level and top it off if necessary. Blowing air into your brake pads and rotors can help remove dust that might be affecting braking resistance.
Oil
Low oil pressure can lead to several problems, including engine seizing and overheating. Check your oil levels regularly to ensure everything is in good order. If you notice consistently low oil levels, there might be a leak or an issue with the engine gasket causing oil to burn off. Be sure to change your oil and filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and watch for oil spots that could indicate a leak.
Ride On
Routine maintenance is key to addressing potential issues before they become serious problems. If simple fixes don’t work and you don’t have the tools for more complex repairs, it’s best to visit a service professional who can quickly and safely handle the issue. Taking good care of your bike will reward you with miles of enjoyable riding.
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