Although there is always the occasional absent-minded person, practically everyone is aware that the motorcycle’s engine oil must be changed, with more or less regularity depending on the model and the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
We also know that we must change the tires (we tell you about it in this article) and the brake pads when they have run out of compound(we explain 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 rear shock absorber. The fork rods, as well as the rear shock absorber, in most cases contain oil. This oil, with the passage of time and temperature changes, loses its properties. The oil seals, responsible for keeping this oil inside the rods, also degrade with the passage of time, which can lead to oil leaks in the rods that, in the worst case, can reach the brake discs with the consequent risk that this represents.
- The fluid that ensures that the engine is kept at an optimum working temperature is also one of the great forgotten ones. Like all fluids, with the passage of time and changes in temperature it loses its properties and ceases to perform its function effectively. In more extreme cases, it can also foul the cooling circuit, causing blockages that can be fatal for our motorcycle.
- Another fundamental component in charge of guaranteeing the useful 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 passing 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 disassembled and cleaned in depth, in order to maintain the engine temperature within optimum values.
- Air filter. The element in charge of ensuring that the air that enters the engine for combustion is free of impurities that could cause breakdowns. 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 people think about the least (especially now that many motorcycles are equipped with quickshifter systems). This mechanism can be by cable (or “traditional” towline) or hydraulic. In the case of the former, we must bear in mind that, if we do not want the cable to break, we must take care that it is not excessively tensioned and lubricate it from time to time. On the other hand, if the system is hydraulic, the fluid must be replaced in the same way as the brake fluid.
As always, if you have any questions you can come to see us and we will advise you without obligation.