Tips For The New Motorcycle Owner, Part One

If you recently purchased a motorcycle, congratulations! While you’re probably very excited to take your new ride out for a spin, there are certain things you can do to ensure your first month on the road is safe. In this article, we’ll look at some ways to prepare for the road so you can have a smooth and safe ride.

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Motorcycle Maintenance

If you’re brand new to the world of motorcycles, the first bike you purchase may be a used one. Motorcycle enthusiasts lean towards buying used bikes because they tend to be significantly less expensive than brand new ones. If you decide to purchase a used motorcycle, it’s important to ensure the bike is mechanically sound before you go for a ride. If you have a friend who rides often, consider asking them to look over the bike for any noticeable issues or visit a local motorcycle mechanic shop. Some things that are important to keep an eye on include:

• Properly Inflated Tires - Now that you’ll be riding on two wheels instead of four, it’s critical to make sure your motorcycle wheels are at the proper air pressures. To find this number, try looking in your owner manual or look up your bike model online. You can also look at the side of the tire for proper pressures. Why is this so important? Properly inflated tires will allow you to maneuver your motorcycle easily on the road. If you’re tire pressure is too low, your bike may feel sluggish going around tight corners.
• Motorcycle Tire Tread - Since you purchased a used motorcycle, it’s important to take the time to inspect the tread on your tires to ensure a safe ride. There are few components that have as much of an impact on your motorcycle’s overall performance than your tires. When your wheels rotate, an elliptical area (also known as the contact patch) will form where the tire flattens against the road. This helps provide your bike with traction, and without ample tire tread your bike could slip and slide which could lead to serious injury.
• Oil - Before you hop on your bike for spin, make sure to check the oil gauge of your motorcycle. If you’re not sure when the last time the bike’s oil was changed, it may be best to visit your local motorcycle shop for an oil change.
• Lights - Another very important component of your bike that is worth inspecting are your lights. Make sure both of your turn signals work, and that your headlights and brake lights are functioning properly. If the lights on your bike are burnt out or in need of repair, this can be a huge safety hazard for you and others on the road.

In part two of this series, we’ll look at some basic tips to consider before you hit the road with your new motorcycle. If you’re looking to upgrade your wheels, browse RC Components incredible selection of custom motorcycle wheels and accessories online today!