Motorcycle Maintenance On The Road
As a motorcyclist, it’s imperative that you understand the ins and outs of motorcycle maintenance and how to prevent an incident from occurring on your bike. However, no matter how much you prepare and inspect your bike in advance, sometimes a problem may sneak up on you unexpectedly, forcing you to pull over and try to fix it on the side of the road.
So how do you deal with these events? Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby is your Pennsylvania motorcycle dealer, serving Philadelphia. Here are our best recommendations for how to maintain your motorcycle on the road so you can get back to riding without calling a tow truck.
Prevention Is Key
Of course, the best way to ensure that nothing unexpected happens on the road is to always keep your motorcycle in peak working condition. This is done by performing regular maintenance at home to keep your tires in good condition, your oil clean, your brakes functional and all the parts of your bike in good shape. Always take a look at your bike before you depart on any trip, no matter how brief, so you can spot any glaring issues before you twist the throttle.
Visiting a professional service shop every year, such as the service department here at Crossroad Powersports, is another good way to make sure that everything is in order.
Keep Tools Handy
Of course, once you’re on the road, you’re not going to have your whole shed or garage at your disposal and you have to work with what you have. This is why keeping a repair kit on your bike is a great idea. Fill your tool kit with screwdrivers, wrenches, tire patches, pliers, a portable air compressor if you have the space, duct tape and a fuel siphon.
Deal With the Situation Safely
When you realize that something is wrong with your motorcycle, like a flat tire or smoke pouring out of the engine, signal and get out of traffic as quickly and safely as you can. Pull over to the shoulder or take the next exit to get yourself out of harm’s way.
Stop your bike, park it and figure out what the issue is if you can so that you can start addressing it. If you don’t think you have the space, tools or expertise needed to deal with the issue, then you’ll want to pull out your phone to contact a friend or a local service department. Storing mechanics’ numbers in your phone is a good idea. Sometimes, the internet might have the answer you seek for your specific issue. Always know your roadside assistance numbers as well.
Remember: if your motorcycle could use a little attention, you can always get in touch with the Crossroad Powersports service department. Schedule an appointment to see one of our mechanics and we’ll address any issues you’re having and get you back on the road in no time.
Seeking motorcycles for sale in Philadelphia? Stop by our Upper Darby, PA, dealership location today to view our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale. Crossroad Powersports proudly serves our customers throughout Pennsylvania and in Wilmington, DE.