SAFETY TIPS
MAINTENANCE have been riding motorcycles for
I over fifty years , and I still do not know much about repairing and maintaining my bike . With more electronics on bikes today , I feel overwhelmed when dealing with mechanical issues . However , I do know that regular maintenance helps keep a bike running longer and the rider safer .
I spoke with Nick Boston about motorcycle maintenance . Nick is a service writer for Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers , Arkansas . Nick checks bikes into the dealership that have come for repairs and maintenance . He has worked at Pig Trail for two years . Nick owns two Harleys and has been riding for more than ten years .
Nick said regular maintenance is essential for preventing problems with a bike . Riders should have a regular maintenance schedule for their bikes . They need to keep records of when maintenance was done and what was done . This lets the rider know when work is due on their bike . Any work performed at a dealership will be kept in the records of that dealer . Dealer records can be very helpful when you buy or sell a bike .
Nick recommends changing the oil every three to five thousand miles . A bike that isn ' t ridden often should still have the oil changed every three to six months because moisture condensation can get into the motor and reduce the oil ' s effectiveness . Nick said checking the oil level is very important on long trips . A large air-cooled bike may use a quart of oil every one thousand miles when ridden constantly on a long trip .
Every second oil change should include a multiple-point safety check . For example , a bike is easier to inspect when it is up on a lift for an oil change . In addition , many bikes come to the dealership for service with loose nuts and bolts . These can lead to odd noises , parts falling off , and severe mechanical problems .
Nick said other areas for inspection are chains , belts , and drive shafts . Chains should be lubricated and checked for tension ; drive shafts must be greased . Drive belt deflection should be checked at three locations on the belt . Clutches can be adjusted , and brake and radiator fluid must be checked and often filled or replaced . Tires need to be inspected for wear and proper inflation . Nick said 80 percent of the bikes that come to the dealership with tire problems could be traced back to improper inflation , whether too high or too low . Spokes on wheels can become loose and fall out of true , causing the bike to wobble .
Batteries need to be inspected often and replaced about every four years . A sign that a battery needs to be replaced is while starting the motor , the engine cranks very slowly , and it takes longer to start or if the lights and horn seem to be fading .
Nick sees many bikes at the dealership with aftermarket parts that were installed improperly .
Wiring for add-ons is one of the most common problems . Many people change handlebar height without realizing cables and brake hoses may also need to be changed . Riders should follow all the instructions when changing any part , and if they are unsure , they can ask their dealer for advice .
Most riders know a little about maintenance and repair , but just like me , they don ' t know much or don ' t have the proper tools or a bike lift . There is always someone in each CMA chapter who has more knowledge and is always willing to share . Before I became a member , one of my first experiences with CMA was at a rally . I was having trouble with my bike and did not know what to do . Someone suggested I ask a CMA member for help . CMA not only helped me with the bike , but they also prayed with me . This was a great way to show God ' s love to a stranger in need . I know of chapters that have a maintenance day where experienced members help other members and non-members with maintenance on their bikes .
The Bible mentions maintaining a Christian life at least 80 times . My favorite verse is in Hosea , and it says , “ but you must return to your God by maintaining love and justice and by waiting for your God to return to you ” ( Hosea 12:6 , NET ). We maintain our Christian lives through prayer , study , fellowship , and service .
By maintaining our motorcycles , we can travel to service and ministry opportunities safely and more often . CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
27⎪JULY 2022⎪www . cmausa . org