Hot Weather Motorcycle Maintenance
While summer is one of the more popular seasons for motorcycle riding, you should bear in mind that warm weather can put a strain on your bike. You will need to take special maintenance precautions in order to protect your motorcycle. By following this guide from the experts at Windy City Motorcycle Company, you can help prevent overheating and other maintenance issues during the warm summer months.
Monitor Your Fluids
Your motorcycle relies on several fluids to function properly, all of which will be expended more quickly in hot weather due to evaporation. Since your coolant is responsible for preventing engine overheating, it will be under the most strain. Whenever you ride in hot weather, make sure your engine is topped off with a quality, manufacturer-recommended coolant. Of course, you shouldn’t forget to monitor your brake fluid, engine oil, and fuel levels and top them off as needed.
Monitor Heat-Sensitive Parts
Certain parts of your motorcycle are more vulnerable to heat than others. Plastic parts can melt and rubber parts can crack and split when exposed to high temperatures. You should take occasional breaks during long hot weather rides to reduce strain on your vehicle. These are also good opportunities to check your bike’s components for damage. Whenever you park your bike, try to find a shaded spot if possible. If you notice any heat damage, schedule a service appointment immediately.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
The pressure recommended by your tire’s manufacturer is based on normal temperature ranges. Heat can cause your tires to expand, putting more strain on them. To combat this, be extra diligent about checking your tire pressure during warm weather.
Utilize Wax Or Polish
Even if you take steps to protect your motorcycle from the heat, the sun’s intense rays themselves can damage its exterior. Luckily, a coating of polish or wax can help reflect UV radiation and mitigate the damage. There are products on the market formulated for this express purpose, so be sure to take a look at some of them.
We here at Windy City Motorcycle Company hope you find this information helpful. To view our inventory of new and used motorcycles, visit one of our dealerships located in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Windy City Motorcycle Company is proud to serve the metropolitan areas of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.