Hot Weather Motorcycle Maintenance
Warm weather might make for an enjoyable ride, but extra heat tends to put a strain on mechanical systems. If you want to keep your motorcycle running well during the summer months, you’ll need to take some extra steps when it comes to maintenance. Follow this guide from Willamette Valley Indian Motorcycle®, and you’ll be well on your way toward protecting your motorcycle from the heat.
Monitor Your Fluids
Motorcycles rely on several different fluids in order to operate smoothly, which is a problem when summer heat causes these fluids to evaporate more quickly than they normally do. Make a habit of regularly checking the condition of your brake fluid, engine oil, fuel, and other liquids. Top them off whenever the levels start to get low.
Coolant’s job is to help your motorcycle deal with heat, so you should be extra vigilant about keeping it topped off during the summer. Always use coolant that conforms to manufacturer recommendations, and never purchase low-quality coolant just to save a few bucks. Incompatible or low-quality coolant will be less effective at cooling your motorcycle, which can cause your motorcycle to become damaged.
Monitor Heat-Sensitive Parts
Plastic parts tend to melt or warp under extreme heat, while rubber will crack and split. Take steps to limit the amount of heat your motorcycle is exposed to at one time. For example, try to park your motorcycle in the shade whenever possible and take breaks during long rides to let your bike cool off for a bit. If you notice any part of your motorcycle has become brittle, cracked, or melted, get an expert to check it out immediately.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
It is important to remember that the PSI recommendations created by tire manufacturers are meant to represent average temperature levels. Heat causes the air in your motorcycle’s tires to expand, making blowouts more likely, so be more diligent about checking your tire pressure when the weather gets hot.
Utilize Wax Or Polish
One great way to protect your motorcycle from the damaging effects of the sun is by giving it a protective coat of wax. Some products are actually made specifically to block out UV rays, so shop around until you find a wax that works for you.
We here at Willamette Valley Indian Motorcycle® hope you found this information helpful. To view our selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles, visit us at our dealership in Eugene, Oregon. We also offer servicing, financing, and parts ordering. We are proud to serve communities like Corvallis, Oregon, and we hope to see you soon.