Although there is always some absent-minded, practically everyone is aware that it is necessary to change the oil in the engine of the motorcycle, with more or less regularity depending on the model and the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
We also know that we have to change tires (we explained to you how to know if you have to change them or not in this article) and freeze-dried pills when you have run out of compost(we explained it here).
But these are not the only elements that require maintenance, and every day we find those that are the great forgotten of maintenance, fundamental components for our safety on the bike that we often neglect.
- Suspension and front damping. The bars of the fork, as well as the front damping, in most of the cases are full of oil. This oil, with the passage of time and temperature changes, loses its properties. The oil seals, in charge of keeping this oil inside the rods, also degrade with the passing of time, which can cause oil leaks from the rods that, in the worst case, can reach the freewheel discs with the consequent risk that this entails.
- The liquid that ensures that the engine is kept at an optimum working temperature is also one of the great forgotten. Like all fluids, with the passage of time and changes in temperature it loses its properties and ceases to perform its function effectively. In extreme cases, moreover, it can also enter the cooling circuit causing obstructions in the circuit that can be fatal for our motorcycle.
- Another fundamental component responsible for ensuring the service life of your motorcycle. The radiator is the element through which the coolant circulates and which, with the passage of air, causes the temperature of this liquid to decrease. This element, with the passage of kilometers, becomes clogged with dust and insects, ceasing to fulfill its function. For this reason, it is important that, from time to time, it is removed and thoroughly cleaned, in order to maintain the engine temperature within optimum values.
- Air filter. The element in charge of guaranteeing that the air that enters the engine for combustion is free of impurities that could cause damage. Although its condition will depend a lot on the area where we move, it is important to check it at the corresponding intervals and change it whenever necessary.
- Clutch system actuation mechanism. Probably one of the components that less people think about (especially now that many motorcycles are equipped with quickshifter systems). This mechanism can be by cable (or cable, “traditional”) or hydraulic. In the case of the former, we must bear in mind that, if we do not want the cable to be braided, we must take care that it is not excessively tensioned and to lubricate it from time to time. On the other hand, if the system is of hydraulic type, we have to replace the liquid as we do with the brake fluid.
As always, if you have any questions you can come to see us and we will advise you without obligation.