Before you start doing your own motorcycle maintenance, you should be aware that there are certain tasks that can only be taken care of by certified and licensed mechanics. Here are some tasks you can perform on your motorcycle:

1.   Changing the Oil

The oil and the filter are two of the most important components in ensuring that your engine will last for a long time. The oil keeps the engine clean by reducing friction, while also keeping its moving parts cool. The job is simple, but you do have to be careful because engine oil can get very hot after an extended period of use. You will need:

• A pan or container to catch the oil as it drains out
• A new oil filter
• A wrench to remove the old filter
• A funnel to pour the new oil into the engine

Make sure that your motorcycle is in a stable position and on level ground. Place the pan or container under the engine so that the oil will drain into it. Remove the old oil filter with a wrench, and replace it with a new one. Then remove the bolts to release all of the old engine oil from your bike’s reservoir.

Next, pour new motorcycle engine oil into your bike’s reservoir until you feel that it is full enough. You can refer to your bike’s manual and it will indicate the correct amount of oil that you need to put in. Replace the bolts, and you are done.

2.   Adjust the Aim of Your Headlight

Your headlight is one of the most important safety features on your motorcycle. It’s also something that you will likely use every time you ride at night. Over time, the headlights can start to drift off-center, and could potentially cause a dangerous situation while you are riding. When replacing headlights you need to pick the right one. Some high-quality ones include XK Glow bulbs for your headlight.

Headlights can sometimes blind oncoming drivers, and if they are not adjusted correctly, it could result in a collision. It is important to check your headlight alignment at least once a year and to make any necessary adjustments. You can learn how to adjust low beam headlights by following these steps:

• Place your bike on a level surface and secure it with blocks or stands.
• Check the height of the headlights to make sure they are at an equal distance from each other. If not, adjust accordingly using a wrench or screwdriver until both lights are aligned horizontally with one another (the centerline running through them should be straight).
• Look at a 20-foot distance and adjust the beam so that it is level with the ground. There should be no more than two inches of light on the ground at this distance.

Once you have made all of the necessary adjustments, test your headlight’s alignment by driving in a dark area. You can do this at night or during the day by closing one eye and looking through a small hole cut into cardboard. If you notice any problems, adjust again until everything works perfectly.

3.   Tightening the Handlebars and Controls

You could experience a loss of control if you do not regularly check your handlebars and controls. You should tighten them every few months to make sure that they are in good working order. This is especially important after an accident or hard landing, as these parts will come loose from the impact force applied during these events.

• Start by removing the seat and fuel tank.
• Use a wrench to remove the bolts that hold together your motorcycle’s handlebars, brake lever, throttle cable or grip assembly, clutch lever or perch, kill switch (if applicable), mirrors (if applicable), speedometer cable, turn signals/horn button housing unit with two screws inside each end cap.
• Remove any other pieces that may be attached to this assembly such as fuel tank mounts, seat mount bracketry, or brackets for mounting accessories like saddlebags or luggage racks.

Make sure you have all the parts before proceeding with this step because if something gets lost during disassembly then it won’t be possible to reassemble everything properly.

4.   Checking and Adjusting the Tire Pressure

If your bike’s tires are not inflated properly, they could blow out while you are riding. Check the pressure on a regular basis and adjust it as needed. Over-inflating them can cause unnecessary wear and tear to both wheels, so make sure that each one is filled with air according to manufacturer specifications before going for a ride.

• Remove the cap from the valve stem and use a tire pressure gauge to measure the current air pressure.
• If it is below the desired level, use a pump to add more air until you reach the correct amount as specified by your bike’s manufacturer.
• Replace the valve cap once you are finished.

There are several motorcycle maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your bike in good condition. By following these steps, you can ensure that your bike is safe and ready for your next ride.