motorbike brake disc

If you want to increase the life span of your motorcycle and get the most out of it, there are certain parts that should be checked and replaced fairly frequently. We have put together a list of parts that you might want to consider keeping on hand if you are a motorcycle enthusiast or pro.

Brake Pads

There is no set frequency for how often you should change your brake pads. Brake pad lifespan is determined based on many factors such as how often you ride, how gentle or aggressive your riding style is, and the style of bike that you ride.

Brake pads should last a few thousand miles under standard use and can last over 10,000 in certain circumstances. Physical indicators will give you an idea if the disks need replacing.

Unless you know exactly what you are doing you should never mess around with the brakes on your motorbike, they are there to help you reduce speed and stop your bike.

You can learn more about the parts of a motorcycle brake system here.

Battery

The battery on your motorcycle is one part that usually goes completely unnoticed, until it fails. Usually a battery will last a few years but can fail from time to time before that. There is nothing worse than suiting up to ride, sitting on your bike, turning the ignition and nothing happens.

When a battery stops working you should always check if it has just been drained or if it is actually damaged before completely righting off the battery.

If you need to be out on your bike, on the track or do not have time to look into the problem then having a spare battery on hand will keep you rolling.

Quick guide for changing your motorbike battery:

  1. Locate your battery. This is usually located under the seat; however, it could be somewhere else on the bike.
  2. Remove the cables (make sure that these do not touch) – first remove the negative cable (usually black) marked with the (-) symbol. Then remove the positive cable.
  3. Remove the battery. Do not try and dispose of an old battery yourself – take it to a recycling centre. Motorcycle batteries contain toxic liquids that are very harmful to the environment.
  4. Put the new battery in place and reconnect the cables – first attaching the positive (+) and then the negative (-).

As with any part of a motorcycle unless you know what you are doing, take it to an expert.

Fork Oil

Fork oil often goes forgotten on a motorcycle. Making sure that you change your fork oil will result in a healthier fork system, avoid wear and reduce the chance of leaking seals that can allow oil to get onto the front brakes.

Depending on the manufacturer, they will recommend intervals to replace fork oils and the amount that should be used.

Usually the manufacturer will recommend that the fork oil is changed every year but if the bike is being used for track riding, in dusty conditions or racking up a lot of miles then you should carry out this service more frequently.

Chain

It cannot be stressed enough that chain maintenance is one of the first things that you should learn about when you own a motorbike. If your chain is not fitted properly at the right tension and lubricated, then there is no way for the engine to transfer power to the wheels.

As a general rule, a well-maintained chain should last between 20,000 – 30,000 miles however, some only last a little as 5,000. As with almost any part on a motorcycle the lifespan of this part is determined by your riding style, frequency and maintenance.

You should check your chain every time you ride, it is just as important as your brakes or tire pressure.

Here are a few signs that may suggest your chain needs replacing:

  • Rust – The surface area of a chain can show signs of rust fairly rapidly due to moisture, however, if the pins and rollers show signs of rusting then it is time to think about a new chain.
  • Kinks and bends – Kinks and bends in your chain show signs of weakness. These kinks are a sign that the seals are no longer keeping dust out and creates a weak point in the chain that has a greater chance of breaking.
  • Noise – A healthy chain will make almost no noise. Hearing a rattling or squeaking from the chain is a sign that something is not right.
  • Chain wear/stretching – Over time the holds in the links on a chain will wear. This will stop you from being able to correctly adjust the tension on your chain. If this happens there is no going back, you need to replace your chain.

Luckily, changing your motorcycle chain is one of the straightforward things to change on your bike so having a spare one on the shelf will keep you riding!

Cables

Cables such as brake, throttle and clutch cables on a motorbike are some of the most common parts to need replacing. Over time cables can wear, get dirty or snagged. It is recommended that you change cables like your clutch and throttle cables every three years or every 10,000 miles.

If the “worst case situation” was to happen where you break a cable out on a ride, Venhill offer a range of roadside motorbike cable repair kits, including throttle cable and clutch cable inner wires. The roadside repair kit includes a selection of wire and wire fittings for quickly and easily replacing a snapped or broken inner wire.

Learn More with Venhill

One of the most enjoyable parts to riding a motorcycle is learning how to maintain and look after your bike yourself. There are many areas and repairs that may require a professional service to keep your bike on the road but overtime you will pick up more and more tricks to handle the maintenance yourself.

If you are looking for high-quality parts designed to keep you on the road or track, then talk to the team at Venhill today.