Tips for Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road
No matter how prepared you think you might be for a motorcycle ride, you never know what situations will arise on the way to your destination. Even the most experienced riders with the highest quality models are not immune to an unexpected issue popping up with their bikes. As enjoyable as it is to ride your motorcycle, a breakdown in the middle of the road can kill the fun pretty quickly.
That’s why it’s important to have a plan of action in place for handling any maintenance issues during a ride. At Big St. Charles Motorsports, we want all of our patrons to stay safe, so we’ve created this guide with some helpful tips. If you have any questions or want to check out some quality bikes for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership. We are based in St. Charles, Missouri, and we serve all those in St. Louis.
Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent potential bike maintenance issues is by fixing them proactively before they snowball into major problems. When you take good care of your motorcycle, it tends to function smoothly. Perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle, including oil changes, tire pressure checks, examining the battery for corrosion, tightening the chain, filter replacement, and clutch or brake adjustments. If you’re going to be taking a long trip, it’s a good idea to let a professional service your bike, as they’ll be able to thoroughly check the various parts.
Bring Your Emergency Tools
One of the best things you can do to handle emergency situations on the road is to make sure you’re properly equipped. You should have a repair kit that includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, tire patches, a portable air compressor, and a fuel siphon. Of course, you should also know how to use them properly. This way, you’ll be ready to tackle the minor issues that occur every now and then.
Get Out of the Way
If your motorcycle starts to act up when you’re riding it, the first thing you should do is get off the road as soon as possible. If you’re going to attend to it immediately, pull over into the shoulder right away. If it’s possible to keep moving until you safely reach an exit, do that before pulling over. Make sure you signal your situation to other motorists and keep an eye on the traffic as you navigate your way through it.
Decide Your Plan of Action
When faced with an emergency maintenance situation on the road, there are two basic options before you: fix or flee. If you’re equipped with the skills and the tools to tackle the problem and are in a safe area, the best option might be to fix the snag. If you’re in a narrow shoulder or a high traffic area, it might not be safe to start working on your motorcycle right then and there.
Fleeing might be the best option if it's not safe to fix your motorcycle or if you don’t know how to address the problem. If there is a gas station or mechanic within walking distance, you can make your way over there. You can contact a friend who owns a truck or trailer to help you haul your bike back home or to a repair shop. You can also call a roadside assistance service. Just use the Internet on your phone to locate a towing company or mechanic nearby to help you out.
We hope these tips are helpful in addressing motorcycle maintenance issues on the road. If you need motorcycle service or repairs before your next trip, contact Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our experts can get your bike fixed in no time! Our dealership is located in St. Charles, MO, and we welcome all those in St. Peters.