How to Take Care of Your Motorcycle Engine?

You just bought your dream bike and it’s been a while. Suddenly you noticed some unusual problems in your bike, especially in the engine part. You are in a mess how to fix these problems all by yourself. No worries,  in this article I’m going to discuss some easy ways that you can follow to keep your bike engine smooth and fit for a long run.

Most people who just bought a new motorcycle find it difficult to take good care of their bike and engine. Motorcycle engines cache many problems while running on the road. There can be problems with dirt,  clutch, brake, oil,  fork, lubrication,  mileage and many things.  Good maintenance ensures your bike’s capacity to perform in the streets for a long period of time.  

So what are the ways that you can follow to keep your bike engine good? The answer is the health of the engine depends on the maintenance of every component  related to the engine such as chain, tyres,  battery,  brake system,  fuel, sprocket, filters etc. You have to keep in check the condition of every related component daily, monthly, and annually. Now I am going to discuss the maintenance work you have to do to keep your bike engine fit. 

Oil and Fuel Selection:

Choosing the right engine oil and fuel is the first and the most important thing you should do to ensure your engine’s longevity and safety. Most bike companies suggest you to use specific brands of engine oil for specified models. It is because the engine is specifically made to be operated on that kind of fuel and lubricants. Some of the popular bike engine oil in the US market  are Mobil,  Lucas, Valvoline, Rotella etc. You can use any of them according to the suggestion of your bike manufacturer. But keep these important things in mind : 

• Change your engine oil after a certain period. Oil gets dirtier over time through burning and leakages. It is estimated that crossing 4000 miles with your bike needs you to change the engine oil,  although many modern bikes come with more mileage capacity. 

• Use fuel which has the highest octane number. There are many certified US pumps that use gasoline fuels rated above 95. Using cheap fuels drastically reduces the life of the engine, so run your bike on better fuel. 

Brake Maintenance : 

The maintenance of front and rear brake is equally important for the betterment of your motorcycle engine. Brake pads should be lubricated with required brake oil so that the engine does not get pressurized in extreme moments. Also these things should also be done properly : 

• Space between brake pads and tire is important. Brakes  should be neither over tightened nor loose. Any of these above can damage your engine severely. 

• Choosing a bike with the most modern braking system such as hydraulic brake, Carbon-Carbon brake rather than usual single disc steel brakes.

• Good quality braking oil for better grip and lubrication is needed. Braking oil gives a firm grip to brake pads resulting in less pressure for your engine. 

Sprocket and Chain Repair :

Sprocket and chain connect the bike engine and the running tires. Change both front and back sprocket after a certain mileage of 30000-35000 K.M. Also change the chain with sprockets. Chains get rusty due to dust and heat. Here is how you can clean the chain and sprocket:

• Chain should be cleaned properly with a cleaning brush and wiping clothes.

• No water should be used while cleaning the chain. That can cause rusting in the joints of the chain . Many cleaning substances can be used instead of water such as bio solvent degreaser, dry waxing etc. 

Use Clean Air Filter:

Always use clean air filters for your bike. Dirty air filters clog the temperature and lowers the fuel and mileage efficiency of your bike engine.Also hampers your bike’s throttle response. 

Check Tire Pressure Level : 

Tire pressure is closely related with engine’s health.If you pump your tires below optimum level they won’t be able to cope up with engine’s pressure and may burn due to excessive heat. If you over pump them you may have problems with brake and grip which initially decreases the efficiency of the bike engine.

Clean Engine Carburetor On Regular Interval : 

Carburetor is known as the heart of a bike engine. Dirty carburetor gradually kills your engine’s ability to perform. Follow these steps to clean the carburetor :

• Remove the carburetor from the engine and unplug all the cable and throttles. 

• Separate the Float and Jets from the carburetor. 

• Take a sprayer filled with cleaning substances such as choke and thoroughly clean all the attached parts of the carburetor.  A dry air blower should be used to finish the cleaning process. 

Radiator/Antifreeze Change :

Engine radiator or cooler helps your engine to work under an acceptable temperature. If your engine cooler is outdated or isn’t changed for a long time your engine is in the risk of being exploded due to massive heat. Mix the coolant and water in equal amounts before applying it on the engine. The ideal temperature to maintain after using a radiator is between 100-130F. Also keep in mind, if you are someone who uses a bike on a regular basis,  change your coolant at least once in a year. 

Small Things to Keep In Check Everyday 

1. Fuel Level:  It will give you an idea how efficiently your engine is consuming fuel on a regular basis. If the consumption is too high or too low there is a problem.

2. Look for Leaks: Keep in check whether important fluids or oil is being leaked from your engine. Any kind of leakages or chafing can harm the condition of your bike and engine.

3. Nut, Cable and Plug Check : Check if all the engine screws,  nuts are tightly adjusted or not. Spark plugs and all the cables should be adjusted with due care otherwise there is a risk of engine safety. 

4.  Gear and Clutch Adjust : The combination of gear and speed is important for your engine. Your gear level should not be low while your engine speed is at the highest level. For clutch it should neither be too tight nor too loose because that can do damage to engine fuel consumption. 

How Many Miles Will A Motorcycle Engine Last?

A motorbike engine is estimated to last at least 50000-60000 Miles if taken good care and maintained well even if it’s not an expensive one. For expensive one’s like Harley it can cross up to 100000 Miles limit.

How Can I Get More Horsepower from My Bike Engine?

You will have to do some custom work such as buying and adjusting custom tools. A more powerful air intake,  exhaust and need custom ignition setup, jet plug etc. are needed to get more power out of your engine

Is It Good if I Rev A Motorcycle Engine? 

Revving a motorbike engine is good until it stays in limit. A bike with a good liquid coolant system can handle revving better than an ordinary air dependable coolant engine.

What is the conversion rate from cc to cubic inches for motorcycle engines?

The conversion is something like this 

If one inch equals to 2.54 cms one cubic inch will be multiplied 2.54 x 3 = 16.39 CC (approx)

What Causes Problem in Motorcycle Engine?

There are many things that damage the bike engine. Such as dust, mud, low quality engine oil and fuel, low quality forklift, unchanged cooling system, bad tire setup, aftermarket components and many other things

You may also want to read :

How Do You Remove Oxidation from A Motorcycle Engine?

Can I Use Grease On a Motorcycle Chain?

How to Clean Motorcycle Headlight Lens?