motorcycle maintenance

The Importance of Annual Motorcycle Checkups and Maintenance

We took our bikes in to get their checkups at the beginning of the year. Some of my family rode more than others last year, some didn't even need an oil change yet and grumbled about getting it done. After some convincing and my son having a little wobble in his front end, we got it in for a checkup. Luckily we did! Jonathan at Shaw Cycles (https://www.facebook.com/shawscycle) found this nail in the back tire (pictured) that we hadn't even noticed! The wobble was caused by the bearings in the front. Johnathan hooked us up and got it out the door super fast. It's worth the peace of mind knowing my son will be safe.

Charlotte and I still have warranties with Harley so we took them to Shane at Utica Harley Davidson (https://hdutica.com/). Even my bike had some damage I didn't notice, My rim was bent! (pictured).  Charlotte's Road King had a recall from Harley. All this might have been missed if we hadn't taken them in. Just Get your bike checked!!! 

As the sun starts to shine and the open road beckons, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the highway on your motorcycle. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a daily commuter, your bike is more than just a mode of transport—it's a trusted companion. An annual checkup and maintenance are essential to keep your motorcycle running smoothly and safely. Here’s why.

Safety First

Motorcycle safety should always be a top priority. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have the luxury of a protective shell around the rider. Therefore, ensuring that every component of your bike is in top working condition is crucial. An annual checkup can identify potential issues such as worn brake pads, tire wear, or faulty lights that could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Today my son was moving my motorcycle into the garage with her brand new tires and the ground was a little wet. The back tire kicked out on him a little bit when he came around the corner because they were a little slippery. Fiona and my son are fine but I thought it would be a good blog post discussing why and what to do about it! Breaking in new tires on your motorcycle is an essential but often overlooked aspect of maintaining optimal riding performance and safety. Here's a detailed guide on why and how to properly break in your motorcycle tires.

Why Break in New Tires?

1. Remove the Release Agent: New tires are coated with a release agent, a type of lubricant used during manufacturing to prevent the tires from sticking to their molds. This coating can make the tires slick when they are brand new. The break-in process helps to wear off this slippery layer, improving the tires' grip and stability.

2. Increase Grip and Stability: Once the release agent is worn off, the tires start to offer more traction as the shiny and smooth initial surface is replaced by a rougher, grippier texture. This is crucial for safe handling, especially during turns.

3. Even Wear: Gradual break-in helps the tires wear more evenly, which can extend their lifespan. Abrupt and aggressive riding on new tires can lead to uneven wear patterns and reduce the overall life of the tires.

4. Safety: The initial 100 (I'm extra careful for more like 150 miles, oh wait I'm always careful) miles on your new tires are crucial for safety. New tires may react differently under braking and cornering. A proper break-in period allows you to get accustomed to the feel and response of your new tires in various riding conditions.