On a daily basis, we should be carrying out visual checks across the most important components and areas of our bikes, including brake hoses, tyres, fluid levels, lights and stand. These don’t have to be timely or laborious and can easily save your life, engine or bike.
Each week, take the time to carry out a few more detailed checks. A great way to do this is via cleaning where washing and drying the bike will allow you to spot any issues – and address them – quickly. Alongside the clean, check tyre pressure, chain lubrication and tension, oil levels and endeavour to complete a visual electrical test.
On a monthly basis, it pays to get even more in-depth by actually removing some elements of the bike to really see that everything’s in working order.
Analyse each of these following parts during your monthly routine:
– Spark plug(s) – if it’s not looking normal, it may be trying to tell you something about the bike
– The battery
– Wheel bearings
– Headstock bearings
– Control cables.
Checking your tyre pressure from cold is a vital weekly task. Use an accurate gauge and inflate them to the pressure that your manufacturer’s handbook recommends. Also take a good look for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, objects embedded in the tread and that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc). If you spot cracked or bent rims or damaged valve stems, then do get these replaced immediately.