Top Five DIY Motorcycle Repair Jobs

Don't pay a mechanic when you can repair your motorcycle at home with these five tips. As an added bonus, these skills will come in handy if you're ever stranded in the middle of nowhere, or you don't have money to pay for repairs. For additional tips and information, check out Big Country Powersports. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and serving Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always eager to help fellow riders.

1. Oil Change

Heading the list, the oil change. With a bit of elbow grease and knowledge, you can save a lot of money. Check out your owner's manual on the details, but basically, all you have to do is remove the oil fill cap, undo the sump bolt and drain out the oil while the engine is still warm.

2. Chain Adjustment

Next on the list is chain maintenance, which can save you a lot of headaches by just making sure everything is appropriately adjusted. Loose chains can lead to sprocket and rear suspension damage, and the chain can even break with neglect. Grab a torque wrench, flip your owner manual to the chain settings page, and have a friend sit on the bike for stability.

3. Battery Repair

Regular battery inspection helps prolong its life. Simply remove the battery, avoiding battery acid, and fill it with de-ionized water if the level is low. Owners of new models can skip this step, as they don't have access to the battery.

4. Check Spark Plug

Spark plug health is a good indicator of your motorcycle's overall health. Check your manual for an estimate on how often your spark plugs need to be replaced. Remove one plug at a time and use feeler gauges to check the gap in between the electrodes. If they need replacement, make sure and purchase the manual's recommendation. 

5. Tires and Brake Pads

This is really two, but they're both equally important. Check your tire pressure with a tire gauge once a week and adjust when necessary. Low or high pressure can affect handling due to unstable tire walls. Replacing brake pads is also simple. Depending on your bike's calipers, you can replace the pads by removing them altogether or pushing the pistons back to gain access to the pads. You'll need a good pair of needle-nose pliers for this job.

Doing these steps is mostly about maintenance and can save you the trouble of a major breakdown, in which case you'll need a mechanic. Ready to hit the road? Discover more by contacting Big Country Powersports in Bowling Green, Kentucky, today, where we serve Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.