Tips for Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on your motorcycle. Whether you’re going on a long-distance ride or tackling the daily commute to work, you can rely on your bike to get you there in comfort and style. However, even the most experienced riders with the highest quality models are not immune to an unexpected issue popping up with their bikes.

You never know what situations will arise on the untamed open road. A little preparation can go a long way in diffusing a situation before it becomes a major problem or an emergency. The experts at Barnes Harley-Davidson have crafted this brief guide to handling motorcycle maintenance issues on your ride. If you have any questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to one of our dealership locations in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, BC.

Preparing for a Motorcycle Maintenance Situation

One of the best things you can do to handle emergency situations on the road is to make sure you’re properly equipped. You should have a repair kit that includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, tire patches, a portable air compressor, and a fuel siphon. Of course, you should also know how to use them properly. This way, you’ll be ready to tackle the minor issues that occur every now and then.

Get Out of Traffic

Once you find that there’s a problem with your motorcycle, your first step is to get out of traffic as soon as possible. If the issue is severe, pull over into the shoulder or median right away. If you can safely reach an exit, take that approach. Signal your distress to other motorists and be on high alert as you navigate through traffic.

Decide Your Approach

You have two options: fix or flee. Fixing your motorcycle is the best approach when you are equipped to tackle the problem and you are in a safe spot to do so. Even if you know how to fix your motorcycle, you won't want to make the repairs if you are stuck on a narrow shoulder with cars flying past you.

Fleeing is the best approach if it's not safe to fix your motorcycle or the repairs are beyond your scope. If there is a gas station or mechanic within walking distance, you can make your way over there. Or you can call up a friend with a truck or trailer to haul you and your motorcycle back home or to a repair shop. Or you can call a roadside assistance service to come fetch you. Use the internet on your phone to locate a towing company or mechanic nearby to help you out.

Proactive Maintenance

The best way to prevent potential bike maintenance issues is by fixing them proactively before they snowball into major problems. When you take good care of your motorcycle, it tends to function smoothly. Perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle, including oil changes, tire pressure checks, examining the battery for corrosion, tightening the chain, filter replacement, and clutch or brake adjustments. If you’re going to be taking a long trip, it’s a good idea to let a professional service your bike, as they’ll be able to thoroughly check the various parts.

We hope you found this guide useful! For more safety tips or to shop motorcycles for sale near British Columbia, head over to Barnes Harley-Davidson. Our experts will be happy to help you with whatever you need, from answering questions to giving advice. We have dealerships in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, so stop by your nearest location today!