10 Things Youโll REGRET Not Doing to Your Motorcycle
TLDRIn this comprehensive video, the host, Jeremiah, guides viewers through essential maintenance for a used motorcycle, focusing on oil and filter changes, brake fluid and coolant refresh, and fuel system checks. He emphasizes the importance of tire inspection, including age, tread depth, and pressure, while also covering the replacement of air filters and spark plugs. The video concludes with chain maintenance and the necessity of keeping a record of the motorcycle's usage for future reference, ensuring the bike is in prime condition for the road.
Takeaways
- ๐ ๏ธ Always change the oil in a new-to-you motorcycle to assess engine condition and ensure peace of mind.
- ๐ Consult the owner's or shop manual for specific maintenance information, such as oil type, filter part numbers, and torque specs.
- ๐ Motorcycles typically use a single oil for multiple functions, unlike cars which have separate oils for the engine, transmission, and differential.
- ๐ก Pre-fill the oil filter with a little oil before installation to ensure immediate lubrication upon engine start-up.
- ๐ซ Avoid using DOT 5 brake fluid in a system designed for DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 due to chemical differences that can cause issues.
- ๐ง Change brake fluid regularly (every 1-2 years) to prevent moisture absorption which can lead to a loss of braking effectiveness or vapor lock.
- ๐ Coolant degrades over time and can become acidic, leading to damage in the cooling system; it should be replaced with distilled water and a coolant additive.
- ๐จ Check tire manufacturing dates and replace them every five years, regardless of usage, due to the degradation of rubber over time.
- ๐ก๏ธ Inspect brake pads for wear and replace them if the grooves are flush with the metal, as motorcycle pads do not have built-in wear indicators like car pads.
- ๐ Regularly lubricate moving parts such as throttle and clutch cables, axle bolts, and brake pin to prevent seizing and ensure smooth operation.
- ๐ Check and adjust chain tension according to the motorcycle's manual specifications to prevent premature wear and maintain optimal performance.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the video?
-The main purpose of the video is to guide viewers through important maintenance steps for a used motorcycle to avoid catastrophic failure and ensure it is safe and reliable to ride.
Why is changing the oil in a motorcycle important even if the seller claims it was recently changed?
-Changing the oil is important because it allows the new owner to inspect the condition of the engine and the quality of maintenance by the previous owner, and it provides peace of mind knowing the bike has fresh oil.
What is the significance of pre-filling the oil filter with a bit of oil when changing the oil in a motorcycle?
-Pre-filling the oil filter ensures that there is no delay in oil distribution throughout the system upon engine start-up, reducing the risk of engine damage during the initial moments after starting.
Why should brake fluid be changed every one to two years?
-Brake fluid should be changed because it absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to a mushy brake feel or even complete brake failure due to vapor lock.
What is the risk of using DOT 5 brake fluid in a system designed for DOT 3, 4, or 5.1?
-Using DOT 5 brake fluid in a system designed for DOT 3, 4, or 5.1 is risky because DOT 5 has different chemical properties that can cause compatibility issues and damage the braking system.
Why is it recommended to run the motorcycle until it reaches operating temperature before filling the cooling system with new coolant?
-Running the motorcycle until it reaches operating temperature ensures that the thermostat cycles, allowing any air in the system to be expelled, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the cooling system.
What is the issue with using gasoline that has been sitting in a motorcycle's tank for a long time?
-Gasoline that has been sitting for a long time can oxidize and turn into varnish, which is harmful to the engine and fuel system. It also absorbs water from the air, which can lead to further engine damage.
Why is it important to check the manufacture date of motorcycle tires and replace them every five years, even if they appear unused?
-The rubber in motorcycle tires degrades over time, even if they are unused. Replacing them every five years ensures that the tires maintain their structural integrity and grip, which is crucial for safety.
How can you determine if your motorcycle tires need to be replaced based on tread depth?
-You can use a penny to check tread depth; if you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head when the penny is inserted upside down into the tread, it's time to replace the tires.
What is the recommended method for checking and adjusting motorcycle chain tension?
-To check chain tension, compare the distance between the sprockets when the chain is slack and when it is tight. The difference should fall within the manufacturer's specifications, typically found in the service manual.
Why is it important to lubricate various parts of a motorcycle, such as axles and cables?
-Lubricating various parts of a motorcycle reduces friction, prevents seizing, and ensures smooth operation of components like axles and cables, which is essential for the motorcycle's performance and longevity.
Outlines
๐ต Motorbike Maintenance Essentials
The video script introduces a motorcycle maintenance tutorial sponsored by Carvana. The host, Jeremiah, emphasizes the importance of various checks and maintenance tasks to prevent motorcycle failure. He discusses the necessity of changing engine oil to assess the bike's condition and mentions the use of a shop manual for specific maintenance details. The script also covers the significance of motorcycle oil serving multiple functions and the process of changing oil and filter, including pre-filling the filter with oil for immediate lubrication upon startup.
๐ง The Importance of Replacing Brake Fluid
This section of the script focuses on the critical nature of brake fluid maintenance. It explains the risks associated with old, contaminated brake fluid, such as the formation of vapor under high temperatures leading to a 'vapor lock' and potential brake failure. The host demonstrates the process of changing the brake fluid, including bleeding the brakes to remove old fluid and air from the system. The choice of high-quality DOT 4 brake fluid, specifically RBF 660, is highlighted, along with warnings against mixing different types of brake fluids.
๐ Coolant and Fuel System Overhaul
The script proceeds with a discussion on the degradation of coolant and the importance of its timely replacement to prevent damage to the engine's seals and hoses. The host describes the process of draining the old coolant and replacing it with a mixture of distilled water and a coolant additive to inhibit corrosion and lubricate the cooling system. Additionally, the issue of poor-quality gasoline, particularly its high ethanol content, is addressed. The host advocates for the removal of old gasoline and its replacement with fresh fuel to prevent engine damage from oxidized, varnished fuel.
๐ฌ Air Intake and Spark Plugs Check
The fourth paragraph delves into the importance of air intake and spark plug maintenance. The host stresses the need to replace the air filter for better engine performance and as an indicator of previous maintenance practices. The process of checking and replacing spark plugs is detailed, including the significance of the correct spark plug gap and the advantages of using iridium-tipped spark plugs for their longevity and better spark quality.
๐ Tire and Chain Maintenance
This section highlights the importance of tire and chain maintenance for a motorcycle's road performance. The host explains how to check tire manufacturing dates and tread depth, emphasizing the need to replace tires every five years regardless of usage. The correct tire pressure is discussed, and the host demonstrates how to inspect and replace brake pads. The script also covers the process of cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting motorcycle chains to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal performance.
๐ General Lubrication and Maintenance Tips
The final paragraph provides a comprehensive guide on lubricating various parts of the motorcycle, such as brake pins, axles, throttle and clutch cables, to ensure smooth operation and prevent sticking or seizing. The host also covers the process of adjusting chain tension and emphasizes the importance of starting with a fresh baseline for maintenance records, including mileage and engine hours, to track the bike's health over time.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กMotorcycle Maintenance
๐กEngine Oil
๐กBrake Fluid
๐กCoolant
๐กEthanol
๐กAir Filter
๐กSpark Plugs
๐กTires
๐กChain Maintenance
๐กLubrication
๐กTire Pressure
Highlights
Importance of changing oil in a used motorcycle to check engine condition and previous owner's maintenance.
Use of owner's manual for specific maintenance information like oil types and torque specs.
Single oil usage in motorcycles for multiple functions unlike cars.
Pre-filling oil filter with fresh oil before engine start-up for immediate lubrication.
Hydraulic brake system's dependency on incompressible fluid and the risk of vapor lock due to moisture absorption.
Changing brake fluid every one to two years to prevent system failure.
DOT brake fluid grades interchangeability and the exclusion of DOT 5 from other systems.
Coolant's role in heat transfer and the degradation over time into harmful acids.
Use of distilled water and coolant additives to prevent corrosion and lubricate the cooling system.
The necessity of running the motorcycle to activate the thermostat and bleed air from the cooling system.
Ethanol in gasoline causing a short shelf life and the need to replace old fuel.
Checking tire manufacturing date to determine rubber degradation and replacement timing.
Tire tread depth check using the penny method for safety and wear indication.
Setting tire pressure based on service manual recommendations rather than sidewall markings.
Inspecting brake pads for wear indicators and the importance of timely replacement.
Lubricating key motorcycle components like throttle and clutch cables, axles, and brake pin for smooth operation.
Cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting motorcycle chain for optimal performance and longevity.
Recording motorcycle's mileage and engine hours for maintenance scheduling and tracking.
Final motorcycle inspection and preparation for safe road use after maintenance.
Transcripts
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