Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

Sometimes, mechanical failure strikes at the worst possible time. However, just because your motorcycle breaks down mid-ride doesn’t necessarily mean that the fun is over. There are several situations in which you might be able to fix the issue yourself and continue on your way. To learn more about roadside motorcycle repair, read this guide from Miller’s Motorsports.

Prevention

The best way to deal with a roadside motorcycle maintenance issue is to prevent it from happening in the first place. While there will always be certain factors beyond your control, there is still a lot you can do by simply following the advice laid out in your owner’s manual. Pre-ride inspections can be a great help as well. If you notice a brake issue, battery corrosion, or something similar, you’ll be able to deal with it from the comfort of your own garage. 

Pack a Toolkit

You don’t need to bring your whole garage with you when you ride, but a surprising number of motorcycle maintenance issues can be fixed using only a basic toolkit. Your toolkit should include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tire patched, a portable air compressor, and a fuel siphon. Of course, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with these tools and their uses beforehand. You’ll also need to check for compatibility between your motorcycle and the tools themselves. 

How to Handle a Situation

If something does go wrong mid-ride, start by safely removing yourself from traffic. Either pull over or take the next exit. Don’t forget to signal your distress if possible so other motorists know how to react. Once you’re in a safe place out of the way of traffic, assess the damage. If you’re confident that you’ll be able to handle the repair using the tools and know-how available to you, go ahead and make the fix. If you’re uncertain, get someone to pick you up. Don’t risk riding on an incomplete or improper repair. If necessary, schedule a service department appointment. 

For more on motorcycle maintenance or to view our inventory of motorcycles for sale, visit Miller’s Motorsports. Our dealerships are located in Lemont Furnace and Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. We’re proud to serve communities like Youngstown, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We also offer motorcycle servicing, a selection of motorcycle parts, financing options, trade-ins, and test rides.