#StayAtHome and use this time to maintain your Ride!

The challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak are changing habits everywhere. Most of us are at home following government guidelines to control the expansion of COVID-19. This means we can’t get a ride in or kick-off that adventure trip of a lifetime.

But, home sequestration doesn’t have to be a total waste of time, because now you have the time to get in some maintenance tasks on our motorcycle. Here are 8 tasks you can take on to pass the time and make sure you bike is ready for the big ride you’ve been planning. Check it out!:

  1. Change Oil: Now is the perfect time to check the mileage you have traveled and change your oil if needed. This task requires some specific tools and a new can of oil. If you don’t have all that, it is better to wait or to do it in a workshop when all this quarantine ends.
  2. Clean and grease the chain: This is a task that we should do frequently (every 600 miles, depending on the type of use), but you can take advantage of this ‘break’ to do a deeper cleaning of the chain and the transmission kit. Now you have enough time to disassemble it and do it more precisely.  If you don’t know how, or you don’t have the right tools, it’s something that can be done without disassembling. You only need a tank or bucket to avoid spilling dirt on the floor, and an old toothbrush and chain cleaner. Putting the bike on the center stand or a rear wheel stand helps. Take a seat and do that cleaning with the help of the liquid and the brush along the chain to reach each link. Once this task is done, finish drying and proceed to grease. If you don’t have lubricant, it’s best to wait it out and plan on this maintenance for a later time.
  3. More liquids: We’ve already talked about engine oil, but our motorbike has other fluids that are essential for its proper working. We can check the level and color of the brake fluid. It is not something that we usually have at home, but you can write it down to do it in the coming weeks. At this point, you can also take advantage of the plethora of time to bleed the brake system.  Another important liquid is the coolant and, if you have a replacement for antifreeze,  go ahead and replace it.
  4. Check brake system: Brake system components are something else that you can check while you are tucked away at home. Specifically, you want to check the condition of the brake calipers. It will be necessary to disassemble them and see their inner thickness and if they deserve replacement (write it down in the list of things to do after the sequestration if you don’t have the proper parts!). Once you have everything disassembled, you can clean each component with a brake-cleaning fluid.
  5. Screws: Everyone should have a screwdriver at home; So, get it out and review the different points of the motorcycle where you find screws and tighten them. If you also have Allen Wrench or other kinds of keys, make an effort to tighten as many of your screw-able parts as practicable.
  6. General lubrication: There are some points on the bike that should be oiled. Apply grease to bearings, levers, tank cover.  Check your owners manual for more practicable recommendations on general lubrication.
  7. General cleaning: Since you have the time, you should consider a DEEP cleaning of your motorcycle. You’re deeper wipe-down could include cleaning fairings, links, tires, fenders, chain covers, and more.
  8. Tire condition and pressure: Don’t forget to check the tires. You should see the tread wear indicators, take note to buy a new pair of tires as soon as the workshops reopens. You can also research your tires online to see if it’s time to consider an upgrade. Remember, if your motorcycle is sitting, it is still losing tire pressure, so as time keeps on slippin’/slippin’, don’t forget to move your bike a few feet and park it again so that the your resting the tires in a different position: You don’t want your tires to become ‘square’. Also, if you have stands to keep the wheels suspended, that’s the way to go… Elevate it!

If it’s time to consider a tire upgrade, you can find the right Continental Tire for your next big ride. Visit our Online Tire Guide.

Don’t forget that safety for your and your family is your first priority. Now is the time to maintain your ride and plan for the journey ahead. Until then…

#StayAtHome