8 Tips for Caring for Your Cruiser
Riders who buy cruisers often like the bike style for a better combination of overall features, no matter the type of riding. They offer a more comfortable riding position compared to sportbikes, and they’re lighter and easier to control than touring bikes. And while they aren’t known for the explosive power that many sportbikes offer, they’ll respond just fine when you jump on the throttle. Additionally, they usually offer greater stability, making them ideal for both urban streets and wide-open highways.
Cruisers generally will have smaller engines than other motorcycles designed for long-distance riding. And even though they might not offer the same storage capacity of a touring bike, they have enough stowage area to serve most needs. With all the features that these popular bikes provide for their riders, Cycle Trader is sharing more on what owners can do to keep their cruiser looking and operating its best for comfortable riding.
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1. Owner’s Manual
Every manufacturer provides different specifications for their motorcycles when it comes to things like routine maintenance. While we’re here to offer some general guidelines to keep your cruiser riding smoothly, your owner’s manual will provide very specific instructions for the care of your make and model. Definitely follow maintenance “by the book” when it comes to caring for your road machine.
2. Tires
Without trying to sound overdramatic, your tires are critical to your safety while riding. It’s a lot more dangerous to have a blowout when you’re on two wheels versus being on four. To cut off any potential issues before they start, regularly check the air pressure in your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and inspect them periodically for abnormal wear patterns and adequate tread depth. Also look for dry rot on the sidewalls, especially if you’re not riding a lot and your bike is in time-out for extended periods of time.
3. Brakes
While the tires keep you rolling, the brakes are also vital to your riding safety. Periodically check the brake pads to see if they are wearing evenly and smoothly. Also inspect the rotors to see that they aren’t showing any pockmarks from rust or wear that affects smooth braking. Be sure to check your brake fluid tanks to see if they are topped off or need filling. If you have a smaller or older model bike, you may only have one reservoir to check. Newer and larger bikes with a dual master cylinder often have one tank in the front and one in the rear, so you should inspect them both.
4. Drive System
Your cruiser likely has a network of chains, shafts, and belts that transfer the power from the motor to the wheels. Inspect the chains to make sure they are not sagging or loose and check all belts for signs of wear or tears. You may also need to lubricate the chains and shafts periodically, as suggested by your owner’s manual.
5. Battery
Regularly check your battery connections for corrosion or loose connections. Clean the terminals and cables with a wire brush when necessary and tighten connections as needed. Change and maintain your motorcycle battery if you notice your cruiser is losing power or isn’t starting.
6. Oil
Check the oil periodically to keep it at the proper level. Also, change the oil and filter as recommended by the manufacturer, either based on mileage or time. Even if you’re not riding your cruiser often, the oil can break down over time so it will need to be replaced anyway. If you regularly ride in extreme conditions (heat, cold, dust), you may want to consider changing your oil and filters more often than recommended.
7. Fuel
Your fuel filter is essential for removing contaminants from the fuel line to provide you with a smooth and powerful ride. If you start to notice your engine is struggling to start or if you’re burning through more gas than usual, your filter may be clogged and should be changed.
Note: You shouldn’t need to worry about oil or fuel issues if you have an electric motorcycle.
8. Wash
Finally, you should wash and rinse your cruiser regularly to get rid of dust, dirt, and grime, and also to keep the beauty of your bike from fading. Use a good quality wax to provide a layer of protection from the elements, and don’t forget to clean the windscreen and mirrors with a recommended glass cleaner. If you’re not keeping your bike in a garage, get a good weatherproof cover to protect it from the elements. Be sure to wait until it is fully dry before covering it.
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Get Cruising
Not in the cruiser club yet? Cycle Trader has the largest online selection of new and used motorcycles, including cruisers, to help you find the bike you were meant to ride. If you have a different kind of motorcycle and want to switch over to a cruiser, we can help you sell your current bike so you can make the change. We’re here to help when you need us.
Barrett Baker
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