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Home / News / 8 MISTAKES WE SHOULD NOT DO TO OUR MOTORCYCLE

8 MISTAKES WE SHOULD NOT DO TO OUR MOTORCYCLE

12 Apr 2021 News [Sassy_Social_Share]
Image source: Reddit

Maintaining and taking care of our motorcycle is not a difficult affair, especially in this age of solidly built and reliable motorcycles that require almost no meddling by the owner.

However, there are things we can do wholly wrong or that we should not take for granted, because they will destroy even the most “bulletproof” motorcycle. Here are 8 critical mistakes that we should not do to our motorcycles.

  1. Using car engine oil

This is a cardinal sin that will destroy possibly not the engine, but the clutch and transmission in the long run.

The reason is because a car engine does not share its oil with the gearbox and clutch. Conversely, motorcycle engines do share their lubrication with the gearbox and clutch. Hence, car engine oils:

  • Do not guard against shearing forces of the gears in the transmission.
  • Are not formulated to prevent clutch slip.
  • Are not formulated for high RPMs motorcycle engines are capable of.
  • Are not formulated to withstand the high heat of motorcycle engines.
  • Can contain friction modifiers for fuel saving, but this formulation will cause the motorcycle clutch to slip.
  1. Disregarding periodic service/maintenance
Image source: rideapart.com

Never miss the oil change. Motorcycle manufacturers usually specify a certain mileage in addition to a time period for oil changes – for example, “12,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first”. Note that you should also change the oil if you have not logged the mileage but have reached the specified time frame. The engine oil performs many functions besides lubricating the moving parts. These include keeping rust at bay, cleaning the parts of dirt, removing soot from to fuel combustion, keeping the engine cool, carrying away microscopic metal shavings. An old oil will be full of these contaminants, so do replace the oil filter, too.

Other periodic maintenance include (but not limited to):

  • Spark plug change.
  • Air filter cleaning or replacement.
  • Fork service.
  • Valve adjustment.
  • Coolant change (if your bike is liquid-cooled).
  • Brake fluid change.
  • Brake caliper servicing.
  • Tuning the ECU.

Please refer to your owner’s manual for the intervals.

  1. Not maintaining the drive chain
Image source: Muc Off

The drive chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated every 400 to 500 km (usually corresponds to two tankful of fuel). A dirty chain shortens its lifespan, besides sapping engine power and increasing fuel consumption. Remember to also check the chain’s tension and adjust it accordingly.

  1. Not checking on the tyres
MOTO-D Motorcycle Tire Pressure Gauge

Always best to check the tyres everytime before AND after you ride. Doing so allows you to spot a puncture, damage, or uneven wear before the next time you ride the bike. Do check the inflation pressure also.

  1. Not cleaning the bike
Image source: hiconsumption.com

Leaving the bike dirty will cause problems. The bike will gather not only dust, but all sorts of additional contaminants in the air including oil, dirt, dirty water that could damage the paint and components.

  1. Over-tightening bolts

Raise your hands if you use a torque wrench when working on your bike. Not many hands. Over-tightening bolts is an unfortunately common problem. Many mechanics and owners are so ham-fisted they have rounded the bolt or stripped the thread. Most common parts to take the brunt are spark plugs, exhaust studs and sump plugs, as well as the rear wheel’s axle nuts, steering head bearings and oil filters. We should check the owner’s manual for all torque settings and use a quality torque wrench when tightening any bolts. Spark plugs should be tightened by hand and then turned 90-degrees with a spanner – no more.

Beware the mechanics who resort to the pneumatic driver, which makes it almost impossible to loosen the rear wheel nut to adjust the chain. Worse, it may destroy the wheel bearings.

  1. Using incorrect tools/using the correct tools incorrectly
Image source: Reddit

There are some owners who use make-do tools for a variety of jobs. For example, using a pair of adjustable wrenches in place of correct size of spanners, or a straight edge screwdriver when there is no Phillips head.

Then there is the manner of using the right tools incorrectly… There is no point of having a nice Snap-On cart and tools if one does not know how to use them correctly. Such as not letting the spanner fit flush with the bolt/nut before turning. Or double-, even triple-clicking the torque wrench. The most common: Using a centre punch to adjust the rear suspension’s collar rings.

  1. Using the wrong tyres
Image source: Asphalt & Rubber

There real rule for using what type of tyres but let us apply some common sense.

Best use sport tyres if you have a superbike. NEVER use racing slicks for riding on public roads. Also, sport-touring tyres may not be well suited to the dynamics and chassis balance of sportbikes. Additionally, do NOT use GT rated tyres on your sportbike. GT tyres are meant for heavyweight touring motorcycles.

Using sport tyres on your sport-tourer is fine but do not expect high mileage and high grip in the rain. Use GT tyres only if your bike is in the heavyweight category.

You can use off-road biased adventure tyres on your dual-purpose bike, but do not expect high grip levels on the road. Vice-versa, use can use road-biased adventure tyres but do not expect good traction if you ride off-road.

Besides these, DO NOT fit wider tyres on your standard wheel. Also, DO NOT fit tyres of lower weight index than specified by the motorcycle manufacturer. Similarly, DO NOT fit tyres of lower speed index.

Conclusion

There you go. All these tips are derived from common sense. Think of the consequences and you should be fine.

 

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    WARRANTY TERMS & CONDITIONS

    Thank you for purchasing GIVI products. All GIVI products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period* (see specific category below) from date of purchase.

    HARD CASE – TWO YEARS WARRANTY

    RACKING – ONE YEAR WARRANTY

    HELMET – ONE YEAR WARRANTY

     

    WARRANTY PROVISIONS:

        • If proves to be defective during the warranty period from the date of purchase, this product will be repaired or replaced, subject to decide by GIVI.
        • The warranty is valid: –
          • For replacement of components deemed to be faulty by the local distributor.
          • In case of breakage, the guarantee covers those components found to be defective and not the entire product.
          • The guarantee is applicable only if the product has been used and maintained as per manufacturer’s guidelines.
          • Warranty is only applicable if the GIVI rack is used with GIVI Case. Manufacturer will not be responsible if cases from other brands are fixed on GIVI product.
        • The warranty does NOT cover: –
          • Particulars on this warranty terms & conditions are altered in any manner whatsoever.
          • The product has NOT been used in normal condition that was intended for or in accordance with the operation instructions of it has been damaged in transportation or subjected to rough handling or misuse.
          • Damage resulting from accidents, negligence or general wear and tear.
          • Damage caused by exposure to harmful chemical products.
          • Defects or damage due to the proximity of a heat-source, motorcycle silencers included, or as a result of the use of solvents or other substances.
          • Product is being repaired, tempered with, altered or modified in any way by unauthorized person or technicians.
          • The GIVI Case has been installed without the use of a proper and original GIVI Rack System.
          • Change in the material or in the colours as a consequence of prolonged and direct exposure to sunlight. Neon colour paint and material by nature will fade quicker than standard colour.
        • The warranty service is offered only when this Warranty Registration Form with a valid purchase receipt is submitted to GIVI customer service via www.givi.com.my. The dealer will issue a claim procedure form and send the product back to GIVI.
        • GIVI will make every effort to carry out the repairs as soon as possible, however we are not liable for any delay in servicing due to reasons beyond the control or any of its authorized dealer.

     

    IMPORTANT GIVI RACKING SYSTEM INFORMATION:

    In order to protect the user and avoid damage to the original structure of the motorcycle, we would like to point out the following. Our product is the result of the assembly of various components. Therefore, the welded points and bends, as well as the different motorcycle chassis can cause assembly difficulties. For the correct fitting procedure, we suggest you rely on qualified personnel and to check carefully that the kit components do not interfere negatively or contact with the original parts of the motorcycle (Frame, Silencers, Shock Absorbers, etc.). We will not be responsible for damages caused by incorrect assembling due to poor fitting by a non-qualified person or mechanic. The warranty covers exclusively the replacement or articles from the product range, which would present defects prior to final assembly.

    Suggested fitting sequence: –

      • Fit the supports and the corresponding kit screws (without tightening them) according to the sequence suggested in the mounting instruction.
      • Centre all fitting kit items and check that they do not interfere negatively or contact with the original parts of the motorcycle.
      • Tighten the screw sequentially and check their tension periodically.
      • In case the kit is not complete or you find that you have a faulty component, do not hesitate to get in touch with your dealer or directly with the producer. Please avoid using unsuitable parts.
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