Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist
Your motorcycle is a testament to the highest quality of modern engineering, and should be treated as such. Maintaining it isn't just about keeping it looking good; it's about ensuring every ride is safe and able to take you home with the same poise and reliability as it did bringing you out. To do this, you need to regularly check its condition and functionality, ensuring you’re prepared for the road ahead. Here’s a straightforward guide to conducting an effective walkaround, ensuring both novice enthusiasts and seasoned riders can keep their bikes in excellent condition.
Do a Walkaround
It may sound trivial, but the walkaround is your dedicated moment to engage with your motorcycle, beyond just riding it. Components on your bike wear down gradually—so slowly that issues can often sneak up on you without immediate signs. During a walkaround, you take the time to look at the entirety of your motorcycle, aiming to identify potential problems such as fluid leaks or parts that have worn out. Catching these early can prevent them from escalating into serious, costly, and potentially ride-halting issues.
Check Fluids and Change the Oil
Before you kickstart your season, change the oil and the oil filter. This is crucial for your bike’s performance and longevity, and you shouldn’t stop there, either. Brake fluid and coolant are vital, too, especially if your bike has been sitting idle. These fluids can degrade or leak over time, so check the levels and refresh them if necessary.
Check the Tyres
Tyres are your literal contact point with the road, so give them the attention they deserve. Look for signs of dry rot, cracks, or hardening—common issues that stem from oxidation. This is what happens when air starts to infiltrate the tyre wall, compromising its structure and causing it to become brittle and weaken.
After that, ensure your tyres are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, and check that the tread depth has sufficient traction for safe riding.
Check the Battery Life
Many riders disconnect their batteries over the winter, keeping them charged periodically. If you’ve used a maintenance charger, your battery should be ready to go. However, if it’s been off the charger, test it now by probing it with a multimeter. A full charge is promising but doesn’t guarantee reliability, so a multimeter can inspect if there is still enough voltage left in the tank. Check the manufacture date too—if your battery is nearing five years, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected failures.
If you ride a Kawasaki and need to replace any parts, Kawasaki Original Parts has the most extensive collection in the UK. We have an archive of preserved spare parts for Kawasaki road bikes reaching back to the 1980s, so even if you are riding a vintage model, we’ve got you covered. To search, our process makes it simple. Just enter your Kawasaki motorbike model, look for the section of motorcycle you need, and then add which parts you need to replace, down to the screws, nuts and oil seals.
Check the Chain
Inspect the drive chain or belt as you turn the rear wheel. Look for binding, seized links, or excessive wear. If everything looks good to go, clean and lubricate the chain, and check its alignment and tension against your manual’s specifications. If the bike passes all these checks, then you’re set. If not, it might be time for a replacement. For motorcycles with belt drives, check for cracks, wear, or fraying, and replace if necessary.
Inspect the Cables
Cable performance can degrade as lubrication dries up over time, which can hinder their effectiveness out on the road. Inspect your clutch, brakes, throttle and other cables for responsiveness and signs of fraying. Lubricate stuck cables and check for any interference or strain when turning the handlebars.
Final Checks
Before you head out, there are just a few final things you should do. Grab a torque wrench and tighten critical fasteners like the handlebar, axle bolts, and motor mounts. Re-check your fluid levels, and if you’ve had your battery charging, now is the time to test your lights and horn. Start up your bike and let the engine warm up. Suit up and you’ll be ready to take on the open road on your noble steed, now fully checked and in its best condition.