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How to check your motorcycle before hitting the road
Before hitting the road again, it’s essential that you inspect your technology and safety equipment carefully. You can avoid significant follow-up costs by checking fluids and wear parts regularly. Keeping your motorcycle maintained will also ensure it retains its value and fun factor. So carry out a quick technical check prior to heading out: Inspect the entire machine for damage and wear. Look for leaks too, especially around the engine, fork, and brakes.
If in doubt, always take your motorcycle to a workshop!
Filters
Filter changes are a critical maintenance step for motorcycles. The rule of thumb is that the higher the power output per liter, the more important it is to change the filters within the replacement interval set by the manufacturer. So you should replace the oil, air, and fuel filters every 6,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but definitely at least once a year.
A new oil filter protects against premature wear of valves, cylinder running surfaces, piston rings, bearings, and other engine components, the fuel filter ensures an efficient combustion process, and the air filter guarantees optimal engine performance, high torque, and low fuel consumption and emissions.
MAHLE Filters
When it comes to filters, MAHLE is also the first choice for two-wheelers, because we are a development partner of renowned vehicle and engine manufacturers. For example, BMW - the market leader in the two-wheeler segment - relies on engine parts as well as oil, fuel, and air filters from MAHLE as original equipment.
Chain
You should clean the chain regularly and lubricate it with chain spray. Always check the drive chain slack when the rear wheel is unloaded (on the center stand) and at several points on the lower part of the chain. Make sure that the slack is even. If it’s not, the chain will have to be tightened at the point with the least slack. The precise value for the chain slack can be found in the manual or, in many cases, on a sticker on the swingarm. If you can lift the chain by hand at the rear pinion by 5–6 millimeters, the chain, sprocket, and pinion are worn and must be completely replaced.
Tip: Spray the chain with chain spray every 300–500 kilometers (depending on various factors including weather conditions—do it more often if it rains) or install a chain oiler that does the job continuously.
Tires
Motorcycle tires are required to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters. But it’s worth changing the tires in good time before this limit is reached. Watch out for cracks or other damage (and remove any small stones). Check that your tire pressures are correct (every three to four weeks).
Brakes
Make sure your brake pads and brake disks meet the required minimum thicknesses. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for details. If you see grooves in the disks or uneven wear on parts, take your motorcycle to a workshop. The entire brake system (calipers, lines, brake cylinders) should be checked for leaks and cracks, especially in the lines. Ensuring the correct level of brake fluid in the expansion tank is also important.
As brake fluid ages over time, it should be changed by a professional at least once every two years.
Lights
Given a motorcycle’s narrow silhouette, being seen is vital to a rider’s survival. That’s why the law requires motorcyclists to use dipped headlights even during daylight hours. Check that your low and high beams, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly. If you find a blown bulb, you can usually change it yourself.
You can check the correct setting of the low beam at a workshop and have it adjusted if necessary.
Fluids
In addition to checking the brake fluid, don’t forget to check the coolant and engine oil levels—and top off as required. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
Here, too, it’s important to carry out a final check to ensure the systems are leaktight.