The key to keeping any bike running at its best is maintenance. Some riders relish the thought of spending the day in the garage wrenching on their favorite bike, but some guys put off until there is a performance issue or worse–the bike won’t start. Whether you love working on your new or vintage motorcycle, or you’d rather have a tooth filled than bleed the brakes, here are some tips to make the job easier and keep your motorcycle running in top form:
- Keep the cables clean and lubricated: Cleaning and lubricating the cables is an inexpensive but effective way to keep your bike feeling new. When you wash the bike or find yourself out in a hard rain, water and dirt seep into the cables. Over time, the buildup of grit will make the lever hard to operate and it will feel rough. To properly clean and lubricate the cables, you must remove them from the perch and lever. Throttle cables should be disconnected at the carburetor end to avoid flushing dirt. water and grime into the carburetor.
- Bleed the brakes: It can’t be said enough. Draining the fluid from your brakes, or “bleeding” them. As you enjoy the ride, the brake fluid is absorbing moisture, making it less effective, causing sponginess in the brakes and causing internal corrosion. When you change your fluid, check the brake pads for thinning and replace them if necessary. This single procedure keeps your motorcycle braking safely and running better throughout its life.
- Check the oil: This may seem obvious, but checking the oil is the sort of thing that riders will be sure and do “next time.” Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and running too low can spell disaster for your motorcycle. Checking the oil regularly will help you identify leaks before things go too far.
Your vintage or new motorcycle is compromised of systems that run their strongest when seals are tight, surfaces are clean and parts are well lubricated. At Gasket King, we understand the importance of regular maintenance to extend the life of your bike and enhance your safety and enjoyment. We are passionate about motorsports, so it’s our mission to bring you the highest quality replacement gaskets. Choose form thousands of available gaskets, or send us your specifications and let us custom fabricate the perfect gasket for you. All of our gaskets are made in the United Stated from top-quality materials. Each of our Gasket King gaskets is covered by our guarantee, so you can shop with confidence. Le us be your partner in keeping the rubber on the road, call 817.562.8178 or shop online today.
