Motorcycle Maintenance On The Road

Every rider needs to be ready to tackle motorcycle maintenance on the road. All models can unexpectedly face an issue, even new or high-quality ones. It helps to know in advance what to do, rather than try to come up with an action plan in the moment. 

We've created the following beginner's guide to motorcycle maintenance on the road. If you have any questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, visit Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville. Our dealership is based in Chicago, Illinois, right across the street from Wrigley Field. 

1. Try To Prevent Issues

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It's often easier (and cheaper) to prevent an issue than it is to solve a problem. Try to keep up with preventative motorcycle maintenance as best you can. The better your motorcycle runs, the less likely it'll run into an issue on the road. Use your owner's manual as a resource and follow the maintenance schedule it provides.

2. Look For Issues

Before you leave on your ride, give your motorcycle a thorough inspection. See if you notice any potential problems, such as battery corrosion or low fluid levels. It's much easier to address these problems in the security of your driveway rather than on the highway.

3. Prepare For Issues

If you don't have the proper toolkit, you won't be able to tackle motorcycle maintenance on the road. Make sure your basic repair kit includes screwdrivers, pliers, tire patches, a fuel siphon, wrenches, and a portable air compressor.

4. Handle An Issue Safely

Okay, so you've done everything you can to prevent a problem. But a motorcycle maintenance issue still emerged. What do you do now?

The first step is to get out of traffic as soon as possible. If the situation is severe, you may need to immediately park on the median or the shoulder of the road. If you have a bit of time, you can take the next exit and park in a parking lot. Either way, signal your distress to other motorists. This helps improve your visibility and increase the chance that they'll see you.

The next step is to make your action plan. You can handle the repairs yourself if you can answer yes to ALL of the following questions:

• Do I possess the relevant knowledge?
• Do I possess the required skills?
• Do I possess the needed tools?
• Can I safely tackle the repair?

For example, maybe you know how to fix your motorcycle. But you are stuck on a small shoulder on a freeway with cars speeding past you. In those types of situations, it's better to get help than to risk your personal safety.

If you need help fixing your motorcycle, you will need some way to transport your bike to the repair shop. If you are in town, call up a buddy to give you a lift. If you are on an out-of-town trip, call up a local roadside assistance service or tow truck. Once you arrange for your ride, you can find a local motorcycle service department. If you encounter your problem in Chicago, give our service department a call. Our expert staff can get your motorcycle repaired in no time!

We hope you enjoyed this guide to beginner's motorcycle maintenance on the road. For more advice or to shop motorcycles for sale, chat with the friendly staff at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville. We are happy to answer questions, provide advice, repair your motorcycle, and assist you with anything you need. You'll find us in Chicago, Illinois.