Staying on top of motorcycle maintenance not only improves the performance and longevity of your bike – it can also prevent you from causing an accident. For optimal safety, give your bike a thorough inspection for each ride, and address any problems right away. This guide from Honda Parts Direct covers some of the most common motorcycle problems that can interfere with safety.
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Contaminated Fuel
Never forget that your fuel has an expiration date. If your motorcycle has been left alone for weeks or months, any untreated fuel that remains in the gas tank will have degraded. The liquid in gasoline evaporates over time, leaving behind a sticky sludge that will wreak havoc on your motorcycle. The simplest way to avoid this problem is to ride your bike on a regular basis. When you need to set your motorcycle aside for a long period of time, you can either drain the fuel system completely beforehand or add a fuel stabilizer.
Dead Battery
Your motorcycle battery will also deteriorate during long periods of disuse. When your battery gives out on the highway, it can leave you in a tough situation. Once again, the simple solution is to ride more often, but you can also use a battery tender to keep the battery fresh during the off-season. You can check the status of your battery using a multimeter.
If your battery is not holding a charge, there are several possible explanations, and you should thoroughly investigate before you decide to replace the battery. For one thing, you might have overloaded the battery with too many aftermarket electrical components, like brighter headlights or an upgraded sound system. Make sure all your electrical components are compatible with your battery and that they are properly installed. Finally, clean the battery terminals if needed.
Defective Clutch
The clutch is one of the most vulnerable components of your motorcycle. The clutch cable inevitably wears down over time, and the clutch lever can easily get damaged. If your clutch is not working properly, you might be unable to shift gears quickly enough to prevent an accident. When you have the necessary replacements on hand, you can easily replace the clutch lever and cable as needed.
Tire Failure
If you are out riding and your bike begins to wobble or feel unstable, pull over and inspect your tires right away. You could be on the verge of a blowout. This can be prevented by regularly checking the tires and replacing them as needed.
Final Notes
The most important lesson here is to never operate a motorcycle that needs repair. In the event of an accident, you might be held liable if your bike has not been properly maintained. Yes, that means you will be held responsible for any damages, including repair bills and medical expenses that may result from the accident. When you look at the big picture, there’s no question that motorcycle maintenance is an investment that pays for itself!
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