6 Skills Every Motorcycle Mechanic Should Have
Motorcycle mechanics occupy a specific niche in the auto mechanics world, but there are many skills and techniques which overlap between each. Those who work with motorcycles on a daily basis gradually acquire a particular range of knowledge that helps them to fine tune their ability to repair these two-wheel vehicles. Let’s take a look at 6 skills that every motorcycle mechanic should have.
- Changing a Motorcycle Tire. Changing a motorcycle tire is not quite as simple or obvious as changing a car’s tire, especially for someone approaching the task for the first time. The first step is to use a valve core tool to deflate the tire completely, and then make sure that you mark the wheel so that you know which direction it is meant to turn – this makes reinstallation a lot easier. After breaking the tire’s bead, the tire can be pried off of the rim. The rim and tire can be lubricated with silicone in order to make this step easier. After lubricating the replacement tire, make sure that it is installed on the rim so that the tread rotates in the same direction as the rim once it has been mounted on the bike. Add air to the tire, make sure that the bead is correctly inserted into the rim, and then reinstall the wheel.
- Changing Motorcycle Oil. Making sure that the oil in a motorcycle’s engine is as fresh as it needs to be will add years and miles onto the life of the bike. To start with, run the bike’s motor long enough to warm up the oil so that it will be easy to drain. Put the bike up on a stand and slide a drain pan underneath. Open the drain plug with a wrench, and let the oil flow down into the pan. Replace the bike’s oil filter, fill it back up with new oil, and you are good to go.
- Changing Motorcycle Spark Plugs. Start out by cleaning the area around the bike’s spark plugs with compressed air and a rag. Once the area is clean, gently pull on the spark plug wire boot to remove it from the plug itself. Next, use a spark plug socket to unscrew the spark plug from the engine. Take care not to drop any dirt or grease into the hole that is left behind. Insert the new plug, screw it back in (making sure not to over-tighten), and then reinstall the boot.
- Changing Motorcycle Brakes. Stand the motorcycle so that the front wheel can spin free. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the fork, unless the caliper is fixed and cannot be removed from the bike. Open up the caliper by compressing the pistons, using a screwdriver pushing against the old brake pads. Keeping the old retaining pins and dust shields, remove the old pads and slide a new set of pads into the caliper, which should have been opened up wide enough to accept the extra material. Replace the clips and reinstall the caliper. Pump the brakes to activate the new caliper and test brake feel.
- Changing a Motorcycle Air Filter. Remove the cover on the air filter, which usually requires removing the bolts that hold it to the bike. Once the air filter is visible, lift it off the bike. If your air filter is reusable, clean it with a soapy solution and oil it up once it has dried. If not, drop in a new filter and then reinstall the cover.
- Changing a Motorcycle Chain. You will need to purchase a chain which is the same length as your current, worn out chain. Remove the front sprocket cover bolts and then remove the cover itself. Make sure to keep track of which bolts go where for later reference. Clean the area behind the cover and raise the bike up on its stand. With the transmission in neutral, cut off the old chain and connect the top end of it to one end of the replacement chain. Feed the new chain through the axle, pulling out the old chain in the process. Disconnect the old chain and close the loop on the new chain through its master link using a clamp or grips. Once the chain is tight, replace the sprocket cover.
