Tools aren’t very useful if you don’t know how to use them. That’s why we will run you through some of the most common repairs and maintenance jobs you might encounter on your adventures.

Keep Going

Before heading out on an adventure, it's crucial to be prepared for common motorcycle repairs. Knowing how to handle basic maintenance and roadside fixes can mean the difference between continuing your journey or getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. In this blog, we’ll cover essential repair skills to keep you going on two wheels.

Fluid Check

First things first: make sure your bike’s fluids are in order. Make sure that your bike is leveled, which is easy when you have a center stand. If you don’t, either find someone to keep your bike upright (or find a tree that will do it for you). Make sure your oil level is between the “low” and “full” marker of your oil sight glass, or on the indicator of your oil dip stick. Note that on older bikes it might require you to warm your bike up first.

Next to engine oil, it is important to keep your brake and clutch fluids (where applicable) leveled. Always clean the reservoir cap before removing it, to prevent dust and dirt from ending up inside.

Tire Repair (with innertube)

• If you encounter the misfortune of a puncture, follow these steps to fix it roadside.
• Remove the valve core and take the nuts off the valve stem.
• Break the bead of the tire loose, and wedge off the tire from the rim using a tire iron.
• Keep wedging the tire step by step, moving about 10 centimeters at a time until one side of the tire is completely off the rim.
• Take out the old tube, and either patch it or replace it by a new one.
• Trace the valve stem through its hole (you can use a valve stem puller for this) and put one of the valve stem nuts on.
• Carefully put the tube around the rim. It helps to add a little tire pressure when putting it in place.
• Use the tire irons to put the tire back on - add a little tire soap for smooth operations. Leverage it back in place, but make sure to stay clear of the inner tube when wedging the tire back on.
• With the tire back on, make sure to set it at the right pressure. Once this is done, you can tighten the nuts of the valve stem, put the valve cap back on, and put it back on your bike.

Chain Repair 

It’s not always possible to repair a chain, and if it is, it is often a true roadside repair. However, it can make the difference between continuing on your way or remaining stranded. Follow these steps to learn how to do it.

• Use a chain tool to remove the link -or links- that are damaged and replace it with a new master link or chain pin, depending on your type of chain. 
• Snap the master link in place with a pair of pliers, or push the chain pin in position using a chain tool.
• Tension your chain, and align it to make sure you are ready to go.
  

Fuse Check

Changing a fuse can be an easy fix. If you encounter electrical issues, fuses are often the first thing to check. Remove the fuse, and check for a broken fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire, or dark smear on the inside of the fuse, it will need replacing. In case you aren’t sure if it is broken, simply change it for a new fuse to be sure it’s okay. Always make sure to replace any fuse for one that carries the right amp rating. 

With these common repairs dialed in, you can keep going in case you encounter them. In case of motorcycle repairs knowledge is power, so if you are planning a longer trip make sure to join a basic mechanics course to help yourself get set.