Hot Weather Motorcycle Maintenance

The glorious summer weather is great for scenic riding, but it can also be brutal on your motorcycle. The ever-rising temperatures can affect how your bike handles and can even start to cause damage after enough time. We've rounded up our favorite tips for preventing hot weather damage on your motorcycle so you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about your vehicle. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles for sale, head on over to Big St. Charles Motorsports. We proudly serve those in St. Louis, St. Peters, St. Charles, and Columbia, Missouri.

Monitor Your Fluids

Your motorcycle relies on a variety of fluids to run smoothly. The high heat of summer raises the risk of your engine overheating, which means your fluids have to work harder to keep your ride problem-free. 

Start by using the proper fluids. Search for a coolant that is high-quality and recommended by your motorcycle's manufacturer. If you are heading out on a hot summer day, top off your coolant to keep your engine from overheating.

Keep in mind that liquids evaporate faster on hot days. You may end up going through fluids faster on a hot day than on your average day. Check on your brake fluid, engine oil, fuel, and other lubricating liquids. Make sure there are enough fluids and top off any low levels.

Monitor Heat-Sensitive Parts

Some parts of your motorcycle are more vulnerable to heat than others. Anything made of rubber, such as hoses and belts, can more easily melt when the temperatures start soaring. Don't make the mistake of parking your motorcycle in the hot sun for too long. You may return to find melted pieces. Plastic pieces can melt as well and even rubber can crack or split. The various parts of your motorcycle can get damaged by high heat, which can result in leaks, mechanical issues, and even blowouts.

To help prevent these situations, you'll want to take a few proactive steps. First, be careful where you park your vehicle. Try to find shaded spots as much as possible. Second, be careful when you go on longer rides. You're subjecting your motorcycle parts to the high heat for an extended period of time. You'll want to take breaks and be intentional about checking the various components for overheating. If you notice anything getting brittle, cracked, or melted, go to a service department as soon as possible.

Monitor Your Tire Pressure

The manufacturer PSI recommendations are created using average temperature levels, not the scorching heats found in the summer. The higher temperatures can cause the air in your motorcycle tires to expand. This creates more pressure, which could lead to a blowout. You'll want to measure your tire pressure more often.

Utilize Wax Or Polish

The hot sun rays can be damaging to your motorcycle's exterior. If you are going to be heading out into the heat often, consider adding some extra protection to your bike's exterior. The polish or wax can help reflect UV radiation and you can even find products made with this in mind.

We hope you found these tips helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Big St. Charles Motorsports. We offer a wide range of bikes for sale if you are looking to invest in a new model. We also operate a parts replacement and service department if your motorcycle needs repair after hot summer riding. Whatever you need, you can find it with us! We proudly serve those in St. Louis, St. Peters, St. Charles, and Columbia, Missouri.