Important Motorcycle Maintenance Detroit MI

The first item on your spring motorcycle maintenance checklist is to change the fuel. When a bike sits all winter, the gasoline can get stale and gum up. Use a siphon pump to remove any old gas, and then fill the tank with fresh fuel. This is also an excellent time to change your fuel filter. Check your manual, as another fuel screen in the petcock or fuel pump pickup may also need attention. 

The second essential item on this checklist is an oil change. As your fuel gets old as it sits, so does motor oil. If your bike is not quite at the recommended oil change mileage interval, changing it a little early never hurts. It's always a good idea to start the season with fresh oil and a filter. Plus, this way, you know it's done, and you don't have old, contaminated oil in your cases. Neglecting this step can affect the performance and longevity of your motorcycle.

Don't forget about your brake and coolant fluid. It is common for motorcycles to leak if left standing for an extended period. Check your brake fluid level and top it off if needed. Fresh coolant should also be a seasonal affair. A good flush with water, or even just a simple drain and fill, will prevent corrosion inside your cooling system. If it has been a while, it would be a great idea to have one of the technicians at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit flush out the old fluids and replace them with fresh fluids.

The importance of tire health cannot be overstated. The trust required to lean into that first corner is monumental, so they deserve your time and attention. First, check your air pressure to make sure it's at a safe level for riding. If you are unsure what the amount should be, you can check the side of your tire or owner's manual. You should also check your tire tread to ensure sufficient traction. If you don't know how to check your tread depth, the friendly staff at BMW Motorcycles of Detroit will gladly check them for you. If your air pressure and tread are all set, look for any cracks or rot in the sidewall of the tires before moving on.

Your bike's drive chain or belt is one of its most critical components, but constant exposure to the elements can cause it to deteriorate or become loose. The drive chain on your bike transmits mechanical power to the bike by turning the sprocket gear, the teeth of which mesh with the links in the chain to pull it into action. You will want to check to make sure it's tight and well-lubricated. You may need to clean the chain and reapply the lubricant. This is also a good time to grease any cables your bike may have, as they dry up over time, affecting the performance of your clutch and throttle. 

If you have any concerns or questions about your motorcycle's maintenance, please swing by BMW Motorcycles of Detroit. Our service team is always available to answer questions or schedule a service appointment for your bike. Our factory-trained technicians are the best in the business. Everyone here understands that you can't enjoy your motorcycle when it's sitting at the dealership. This is why we offer a three-day turnaround for scheduled service. BMW Motorcycles of Detroit has accumulated a list 31 years long of delighted customers. Let's make you part of that list too. Stop in or call anytime!