7 Maintenance Tips to Get your Motorcycle Prepared for Long Trips

Have you ever wanted to a break from work and daily life? Who hasn’t dreamt of a long motorcycle ride just like they do in the movies? But all is not roses and daises when one does choose to go on a long motorcycles trip. There are a lot of things to do before one can actually start the trip. It is not enough for you to plan out your trip, figuring out which road to take and where to stop is not where the planning stops.

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For starters, your motorcycle needs to be able to survive such a long trip. Things like tyre pressure, engine oil, battery levels, etc. need to be checked and serviced from an expert. Paperwork like updated motorcycle insurance, driver’s license, and vehicle registration documents is essential.

Who would want to be stuck in an unknown area with an accident that will involve large expenses? A motorcycle insurance is helpful always. If you are confused about what to do and where to start with your motorcycle service, you are not alone. Often one is only used to driving their motorcycles and get your garage deal with it from time to time. But when you are travelling alone, some basic maintenance work should be known so that you are not stranded at any point in your journey.

Know the Motorcycle

The first thing that is a good starting point to start the prep process is to know your motorcycle well. Knowing how to ride it more efficiently to not put more pressure on the motorcycle to how to applying brakes better. It will also help to know about minor maintenance work that one can do themselves while on the trip. Riding your motorcycle, getting to know them better will be a good way to know them better. This way, one can predict changes well before they arise.

Tyre Pressure and Wheel Alignment

Having inappropriate tyre pressure on your motorcycle is the last thing you would want to deal with while on the trip, not to forget that is also incredibly dangerous too. Therefore it is important to plan and fill your motorcycle’s tyres to the correct amount. Also, the wheel alignment needs to be checked so to not increase the wear and tear of the tyres. Keep in mind also the weather of the destination as hot weather tends to expand the tyres which will make the ride bumpier.

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Engine oil

All experts suggest motorcycle riders to check up on their engine oil before starting the long journey. Get the engine oil checked to see if it is in the proper condition or not. It would be better to consult an expert too and take their opinion of whether your bike can survive a long trip. Having the right engine oil is crucial. It keeps the engine running smoothly, which is vital for long trips. Choose the right type of engine oil depending on the weather condition.

First aid Kit

Whether you ride alone or with a partner, having a first aid kit is essential. For any small cuts or wounds, treating them immediately is important before any infections can catch on. One can buy a fully stocked first aid kit online or build one of your own with the things you need. One essential thing to have on your kit is an anti-fungal powder which will help with rashes.

Air Filter

Change up the air filter of the motorcycle before starting the trip. The air filter is easy to ignore when one drives it regularly. Keeping in mind how much pollution there is today in the environment, having a clean air filter is important. If your trip is through an especially dusty and dirty environment, this is very important to not have any foreign particles trapped within the internal bearings and cylinders. Check up on the air filters and replace them if need be.

Battery and other Electrical

As with our mobile phones need a battery, so do our motorcycles. The battery of a motorcycle needs to be in full charge to ensure the ride is without any hitches. The battery tends to lose charge every time the brake or pedal is applied, which is why the battery needs to be checked on before leaving. The last thing one would want is to be stuck miles away from a service station with a dead motorcycle. All other electricals like the headlights, taillights, etc. also need to be checked on.

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Motorcycle Insurance and other Documentation

Another no brainer is to have motorcycle insurance. Make sure your motorcycle insurance covers a wide range of uncertainties like personal accident, third party liability, and more. Having motorcycle insurance is mandatory in India so make sure your insurance is up to date and renewed. Add on some additional covers if needed. Also make sure other documentation like your motorcycle’s license, bike registration papers are with you and up to date before your trip.

While this list only includes some points and elements to check up on and keep in mind to service your motorcycle, try reading up on more guides online. Talk to people who have already taken such a trip and pick their brains for things to keep in mind. Getting the help of an expert at an established garage is also important. They will service your motorcycle the right way and also arm you with tips to ride it better.

Having motorcycle insurance will give you access to a large network of garages on the insurance provider all across the nation. It is also easy to put in a claim on your insurance plan or also renew it too online. Having a talk with your insurance provider about your long trip would also be a good idea. The experts might also suggest some add on covers for your benefit. It might be hard, but do your due diligence on your motorcycle before you start on your long trip.