Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

There’s nothing like hitting the open road on your motorcycle and enjoying the wind in your face and the asphalt rushing by your feet. Whether your trip lasts an hour or a week, going out for a ride is the perfect way to unwind from your busy schedule. However, roadside breakdowns can unexpectedly ruin your motorcycle riding experience.

Maintenance emergencies are always stressful, but when you’re exposed like you are on a motorcycle, they can be particularly anxiety-inducing. We’ve provided some tips to help you prepare now for a future emergency, so continue reading to learn more!

Prevention Is Key

Of course, it’s better to avoid a situation like this entirely. This will involve performing regular maintenance for your motorcycle. Review your owner’s manual to understand what this regular maintenance should look like and how often it should happen. This will likely include oil changes, belt and chain tightening, and tire checks.

Proper Preparation

Even with regular maintenance, you’ll want to be prepared for emergencies. If you have some basic maintenance knowledge and skills, make sure you have all the tools you'll need to perform repairs. Another important part of preparation is having someone you can call if the repair can’t be made on the road. This can either be a friend with the towing means to get your bike off the road, or a roadside assistance company you’ve signed up with.

Plan of Action

Even the most experienced riders have their bad days. Here’s what to do if your motorcycle breaks down in the middle of a ride:

Pull Off to a Safe Location

First things first, you must get somewhere safe. Get away from traffic and passing cars as much as possible. Pull off to the shoulder, roll the bike up the exit ramp, and pull into a parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights and, if you have them, set out flares or cones to keep you safe.

Analyze the Situation

Next, you’ll need to try and figure out what’s wrong. It could be something as simple as a flat tire. It will be cheaper and faster to fix the problem yourself. If you’re confident you know what the issue is and you have the tools and skills to fix it, this might be the best option.

Calling for Help

If you can’t identify the problem or don’t have the means to fix it, you’ll need to find help. This may involve calling a friend or roadside assistance company. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, you might need to walk to the nearest town or at least until you can make a phone call.

With the right plan, you can feel more confident on the road knowing that you’re ready for whatever life throws at you. If you’re still looking for the right motorcycle, talk to our experienced and friendly bike experts at Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson in Clearwater, FL. We proudly serve all those in Tampa and St. Petersburg.