Motorcycle Maintenance

Article by Vintage Vinny

Repair and maintenance are part of motorcycle ownership. For those or don't or can't do it themselves, it's perfectly acceptable to bring your bike to a dealer when these services are needed. But for the rest of us, it's a combination of knowledge, time, and tools, and more often than not with an old bike, finding something else wrong!

Chain Lube

Unless you’ve got a motorcycle with a shaft- or belt-drive, you should regularly lube the drive chain. It's important for several reasons -- lack of lubrication does lead to premature chain and sprocket wear, and of course, the prospect of a chain snapping while under acceleration.

A bike chain is comprised of outer links, inner links, rollers, and pins. When your chain is lubed correctly, it allows all these parts to move freely.

Most modern motorcycle chains are sealed with O-rings, which is a good upgrade to consider for your classic bike. But these still need periodic lubrication.

Best Product To Lube Chain

Anything is better than nothing, and I've heard of all sorts of products being used, from WD-40 to chainsaw oil to 80W90 gear oil. IMHO, it's probably best to use a proper chain lubricant.

Shop: Aerosol Chain Wax

After applying chain lube, wipe off all excess with a rag, otherwise it will sling onto places you don't want it to be (like your pants). Most riders agree that a well-maintained chain means doing less chain adjustments.

Change Engine Oil

Most classic bikes are air-cooled, and automotive oils do not meet the required specifications for air-cooled engines. This results in higher operating temperatures and reduced engine life. Unless it's an emergency (like being stuck on the side of the road), use the proper oil.

Presently, I'm using Maxima V-Twin mineral oil in several old bikes. It's also offered in synthetic.

Shop: Maxima V-Twin Mineral Engine Oil

Change Primary Oil

Many classic bikes have a unit transmission, don't forget to change the oil in these as well. Change oil at recommended intervals. Once a year is a good minimum.

Motorcycle Battery Care

Just how good is your battery? Since kickstart bikes don't use a battery for starting, it can be in pretty bad shape without you knowing. Check the connections, and the fluid level. Top off with water if necessary, and allow to stand awhile before charging. Put a small trickle charger on it overnight.

Constant-Current Battery Chargers

Constant-current chargers are often called smart-chargers, because they can vary the charging voltage to keep current constant. The phrase 'battery tender' is a brand name, and they are one of the more popular battery maintenance devices.

Shop: Trickle Charge Battery Tender

These chargers generally put out one-amp or less. Never use an automotive battery charger on a motorcycle--the higher amperage will warp the plates inside the battery.

Recharging a Dead Battery

Because motorcycles are sometimes recreational vehicles, they often sit for a long time between use. A battery can only be deep-cycled a limited number of times.

Some of the newer technology battery chargers claim to be able to restore a deeply-discharged maintenance-free battery. This is done by increasing the initial charging voltage to overcome the internal resistance.

Do I Need To Use Distilled Water In My Battery?

Adding distilled water to a battery is recommended simply because it has no impurities in it. If you live in an area where your water supply has a very high mineral content, use distilled water in your battery. If not, the choice is yours. It certainly does no harm, but is not always needed.

Gasoline vs Time

Sitting unused, gasoline turns bad, and over several years of time it will turn to varnish. Fuel system maintenance includes checking fuel lines for cracking and weathering, and checking your fuel filter to make sure it's not clogged.

Read: Motorcycle Carb Problems

Motorcycle Covers

Indoor motorcycle covers are a good investment, and can be bought for as little as $40 to $60. Most are machine-washable and dryable for easy care. Better covers are made of fabrics that are breathable, allowing inside moisture to escape. These are in the $100-$150 price range, and usually include a storage bag and tie-down cords.

Read: Best Motorcycle Cover

Motorcycle Tire Maintenance

Checking tires regularly is an important part of motorcycle maintenance. At least once a week, or daily when on a trip, visually inspect tires all the way around for any signs of damage. Check and maintain the correct inflation pressure for your year and model. To clean your sidewalls, use a mild soap solution and rinse off with plain water. Never use protectants, cleaners or dressings. They will degrade the rubber.

Replacing Fork Seals

Replacing front fork seals can be a tedious project, but can be done in your home garage. You will find that it's also great time do other related work as well, like polishing the forks or adding gators.

DIY motorcycle repair

If the steering head bearings on your classic bike haven't been serviced in years, it's probably past due. Old rusty bearings are a safety risk you don't need to take.

Front Fork Maintenance

It is recommended that fork oil be changed every other riding season, or every several years, depending on how much riding is done. Use 20 weight for average conditions. For extreme conditions use 10 weight or 30 weight accordingly.

Dry fork requires .5 to 1.0oz more than the wet amount due to residual oil left clinging inside the fork.

WET: Means you just drained the oil out of the plug and want to refill it.

DRY: Means you disassembled the forks and cleaned them dry inside and out.

Another way to measure is to push the forks down all the way while the caps are off, and fill it to 5" below the upper edge of the fork tubes.

Motorcycle riding gives you a special connection with the world. You feel the wind in your face, smell your surroundings, and hear the sound of your engine below. Maintaining your classic bike is best way to ensure every ride you take will be safe and enjoyable.

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