Whether you’re a biker or just want to ride your motorbike around town, you need to keep it in good shape. That’s where motorbike service comes in.
Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul motorcycles and other vehicles, such as scooters, mopeds, or dirt bikes. They also change engine oil and perform other maintenance work.
Engine
The engine of a motorbike is what powers your bike and the drive wheels. Its components are a big confusing jumble of metal and tubes to the uninitiated, but understanding how they work can help you spot trouble when it arises and make sure your bike is road-ready.
There are many different types of engines, but all use a similar method to turn fuel into power. This is done by a piston pumping inside of a tube called a cylinder.
The cylinders are connected to a crankshaft, and the crankshaft turns the piston’s up-and-down motion into circular motion. There are typically between two and twelve cylinders, depending on the vehicle.
Transmission
The transmission is a device that transfers power from your motor’s engine to the wheels. It helps you shift gears and keep the engine’s RPM at optimal levels, so that it can turn the wheels at high speeds.
Conventional constant mesh motorcycle transmissions change gears by sliding one gearwheel across a mainshaft until it locks into another driven gearwheel via internal “dogs”–lugs cast into one gear that fit into holes in another gearwheel. This requires time and can be difficult to do manually.
A torque converter multiplies engine torque at low speeds and eliminates the need for a hand-held clutch. A control valve is manually operable as by a foot pedal to lock-up a pressure plate in the converter when a predetermined speed is reached so that a direct mechanical connection between the engine output and the transmission power output is established.
Brakes
The brakes on a motorbike play a huge part in braking, and they need to be well maintained and functioning properly to keep you safe. While they may be the most complicated parts of your bike, there are some simple things you can do to make sure they are working properly.
1. Change your brake pads
The pads are where you apply pressure to the rotor when braking and they wear out quickly over time. They should be replaced about every year or two depending on your riding habits.
2. Check your caliper pistons and slides
The caliper pistons and slides have to be greased regularly to help them move smoothly. You can lubricate them with a high-temperature silicone brake grease.
3. Change your rotors
To replace the rotors, remove the wheels and unbolt the calipers from the axles. Typically, the rotors are attached to the wheel hub with flush mounted bolts.
Tires
The tires of a motorbike play a vital role in the safety and performance of your motorcycle. They must be able to perform many different functions including steering, carrying a load, absorbing road shock, rolling smoothly, transmitting mechanical inputs and wearing evenly.
There are a number of different types and sizes of tires available to suit different uses. The type you choose will depend on how much you use your bike and what kind of terrain you ride it on.
Electrical
The electrical system of a motorbike connects various electrical and electronic components through a wiring harness. This includes the battery, lights, horns and electric fans.
Your motorcycle’s battery is charged with alternating current (AC) from the alternator, which spins off the crankshaft. This AC is then used to power the other electrical and electronic circuits.
Many of the wires and switches in your motorbike have resistance – this is because they are used to restrict electron flow. This can be desirable in some cases, such as with a lamp or motor.
