Any motorcycle enthusiast knows how much fun it is to hit the open road and feel the wind behind them. There are virtually no limits as to how far you can go on your hog. However, that doesn't mean you don't need to spend time making sure your ride is in top shape at all times. All too often, people think they know what they are doing when it comes to the mechanics behind their motorcycle. In reality, they are causing more problems for themselves than what they needed to in the first place. Check out some of the common repair mistakes made by bike owners today.
Tightening the bolts too much.
Most of the time, people tend to tighten the bolts on their hog far tighter than what they should be. Sure, you want to make sure your bolts are securely in place, but you have to know your limits. If you use more force than what you should, you could end up damaging the bolt heads, stripping out the threads and much more. The best thing you can do between mechanic visits is to use a torque wrench to make sure you don't apply too much pressure.
Not cleaning your ride after a long winter.
If you don't clean your bike after going out riding in all of that nasty road salt, you are only setting yourself up for failure by destroying the finish on your bike. Salt corrosion can take all of the metal parts on your bike and leave them in complete disrepair. In just a few minutes, you can get rid of all that salt and keep your hog looking amazing throughout the year. Whatever you do, don't let the dirt sit. Otherwise, you will have a hefty mechanical and body shop bill waiting for you to get your ride back to normal operating condition.
Failing to check the tire pressure.
If the tires on your bike aren't inflated to the right pressure or they are severely worn out, it can cause your bike to handle roughly. Tires that don't have enough air can cause issues with cornering, braking and more. You don't want your tires to end up wearing out and blowing from improper inflation. Use a gauge you can trust to check the tire pressure on your ride.
Whenever in doubt, take your ride in to your mechanic to have them look at it for you. Don't risk your ride and your life for the sake of saving a few bucks. It isn't worth it. Contact a company like Supreme Motorsports 1 to learn more about motorcycle service.
Share8 June 2015
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.