Performing Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

If you ride a motorcycle, you need to be prepared to handle a sudden maintenance issue in the middle of the road. Fortunately for you, we’ve created the following guide breaking down how to handle a motorcycle maintenance problem during a ride. Keep reading to learn more - and if you encounter a problem that requires professional attention, contact the experts at Wooly’s Cycles of Atlanta. We are located in Marietta, Georgia, and also serve those in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Prevention is Key

Although you can’t avoid every problem on the road, it’s still a good idea to take some steps to prevent a motorcycle maintenance emergency. Check your owner’s manual to see what tasks you should be doing on a regular basis to keep your bike in top shape. The better you maintain your vehicle, the less likely you are to face an issue during a ride.

We also recommend checking your bike before you hit the road. See if there’s anything that could create a maintenance issue. These include low fluid levels, battery corrosion, or faulty brakes.

Preparing for a Situation

We know that you can’t always control what happens on the road. But you can prepare!

Always pack a toolkit to take on your ride. This will ensure that you are equipped to handle a minor motorcycle maintenance repair in the middle of the road.

A basic toolkit should include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tire patches, a fuel siphon, and a portable air compressor. Make sure to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the tools so you know how to use them.

Handling a Situation

Now it’s time to talk about handling a maintenance issue on the road.

Get Out of Traffic

Your first step when a maintenance problem occurs is to get out of traffic as quickly and safely as possible. This means pulling over to the shoulder or a median immediately. It may mean taking the next exit. Try to signal your distress to other motorists so you can safely cross traffic if needed.

Make a Plan

Next, you have to figure out what you are going to do. If the bike maintenance issue is something you can handle yourself, take out your toolkit and get to work. Make sure you are in a safe place to handle a repair! If you’re stuck on a slim shoulder, it’s better to call for help instead. You may even want to call a local roadside assistance service or a friend with a truck or trailer who can help you get out of the area.

We hope these tips help you stay safe and successfully perform motorcycle maintenance on the road! For professional motorcycle servicing and repairs, Wooly’s Cycles of Atlanta is here for you. We are based in Marietta, Georgia, and we also serve those throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.