Are you planning to go on a thrilling trip and take a break from your regular busy schedule? Well, it is a great idea! But before embarking on your journey, some factors need your attention. Finding yourself all alone, stranded in an unfamiliar location because of a bike breakdown, and searching for help is the last thing you would want on your memorable adventure. Hence, ensuring that your motorcycle is well-prepared for the adventure you will undertake on your trip is essential.
Irrespective of how well your two-wheeler is or any changes it has gone through before your trip, going on a long trip is essential. But before embarking on this trip, you need to learn about how to maintain your touring bike properly when you are on the roads. So, join this guide as you explore the various maintenance tips you need to follow to maintain your touring bike!
8 Touring Bike Maintenance Tips for Long Rides
To enjoy your ride and trip to the fullest, the following are 8 tips you should follow to take care of your bike properly throughout your journey:-
Check Paperwork and Ensure Legal Conformity
Before embarking on your trip, ensure that you are carrying all important documents related to your vehicle and check that they are updated. Carry important documents such as your driving licence, bike insurance and registration-related papers.
Comprehend Your Motorcycle
Getting familiar with how to handle your bike is extremely vital. Knowing and understanding your motorcycle is more than about maintenance; it is also about comprehending how it feels to ride. It is advisable to understand all aspects of braking and learn to apply brakes properly, accelerate seamlessly, and turn with confidence. Your bike is your companion, so comprehending its mechanics will help you figure out unforeseen circumstances and resolve them.
Check Oiling and Lubrication
Keeping a consistent check on the engine oil and lubrication before commencing your trip is an important factor that you should consider. You can consult and seek assistance from a professional or an expert to ensure that your engine is in good condition and is lubricated well. The engine oil is the blood of a vehicle, which is significant for boosting the health and durability of a vehicle. So, before embarking on your trip, check the level of oil and fill oil in your bike if needed, give your vehicle some time to accept it, and then start with your journey.
Take Care of the Chain and Sprocket
When your vehicle’s chain is loose or if the sprocket teeth are worn out, it adversely impacts how power gets transferred from the engine to the rear wheel. As a result, your bike can become less fuel-efficient because you lose power on your way. Therefore, if you see that your bike’s chain is loose or dirty, get the problem addressed instantly.
Clear the Air Filters
Regularly clean the air filters of your motorcycle. This is especially needed when you have to travel in dusty and dirty environments, which can impact the smooth functioning of your motorcycle during your trip. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful and check air filters at regular intervals and before beginning your trip.
Keep a Check on the Motorcycle Battery
The battery is your vehicle’s powerhouse. Therefore, before embarking on your trip, ensure that the battery is in proper condition. Additionally, check other electricals like headlights and side blinkers for a seamless ride.
Inspect Tyres at Regular Intervals
The alignment of your vehicle’s wheel is another important factor to be considered and needs equivalent attention before you embark on a journey. Adequate alignment minimises tyre wear and ensures a safe and sound journey. Also, maintaining the appropriate wheel pressure gives a good fuel economy. So, it is advisable to inspect tyres at regular intervals during your trip and ensure they are adequately aligned.
Keep Checking the Brakes
Even though speeding is thrilling, it should be done cautiously and responsibly. Plus, having responsive brakes is very important. There are many uncertainties with long-riding two-wheelers in India. Hence, it is important to ensure that the brakes of your vehicle are in proper condition because they protect you against unfortunate incidents whenever you are on the roads. If you are riding on your BMW K 1600 GTL it is a good choice as it comprises a sophisticated braking system that is specifically designed for safety and performance.
Wrapping Up
Even though motorcycle trips can be thrilling, it is essential to remember a few maintenance tips for your touring bike or others. Even if you own a BMW touring bike, thoroughly inspecting your bike is advisable before embarking on your journey to ensure that your trip is memorable and enjoyable. If you are uncertain about any aspect of maintaining a touring bike, it is wise to seek assistance from a professional. After everything is inspected and proper, pack your gear, tools, medical supplies, and other essential things you may need on the trip, and you are all ready to embark on a memorable adventure. Enjoy your trip and ride!
