How do I perform basic motorbike maintenance tasks such as oil changes and chain adjustments?
One of the many joys of motorcycling is taking care of your bike. There are many things that you can do right at home with minimal tools and we can show you how to tackle two of these tasks.
Maintenance tasks
Most motorcyclists are well aware of the pure enjoyment that riding a bike can bring. There are some riders that even enjoy taking care of their bike even more. DIY maintenance does not require an engineering degree, and if you have basic tools and the will to get dirty, doing small maintenance tasks can be very rewarding.
Related: How to wash your bike
If you are planning on taking maintenance tasks, it is advisable to acquire a pit stand or front wheel chock to keep the bike upright while you are working on it. Acquiring bike-specific tools will also help. You may want to get a hold of a torque wrench, a socket set, some basic hand tools, and some bike care products like brake fluid, chain lube, and lubrication spray (WD40).
Basic tools to get started with your own auto DIY
Changing your oil
One of the easiest DIY maintenance tasks you can do is to change your own oil. This is much easier if you have a naked bike as there are no fairings to deal with. If your bike has a fairing you will need to remove it and in the case of an adventure bike, the rock protector at the base of the engine.
You will need:
- Wrench kit (size 8-17mm)
- Oil catch
- Replacement oil filter for your make and model
- Fresh oil (correct rating for your engine)
Let's get it done
1. Locate the oil drain plug at the base of the engine
2. Place oil catch underneath oil drain
3. Use correct size wrench and undo oil drain plug, drain oil
4. While oil is draining, locate oil filter on the engine
5. Replace oil filter (smear some fresh oil on the o-ring before installation
6. Replace oil drain plug (replace sealing washer, if needed)
7. Refill engine oil with correct grade of oil to level stated by manufacturer
How to tension your clutch cable
Chain adjustment
Another straightforward bit of DIY maintenance you can do yourself is to take up the tension on your chain. Motorcycle chains will stretch over time and if there is too much slop in the chain it can damage the swingarm or even the sprockets.
You will need:
- Wrench kit (size 8-24mm)
Let's get it done
1. Loosen off the main wheel bolt nut
2. Find the swingarm slot and check the measurement markings
3. Use the correct size wrench to loosen off the tensioner nut
4. Use the correct size wrench to turn the tensioner bolt until the main bolt reaches the correct marking when the chain is sufficiently tensioned
5. Ensure chain has proper tension, it should move up and down no more than 20mm
6. Tighten locking nuts on tensioner bolt
7. Tighten main wheel bolt nut
