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Maintenance tips for long-distance motorbike rides

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If you are thinking of going on a long-distance drive on a motorcycle, there’s a lot of things to consider when it comes right down to prepping it for the trip. Regardless of the number of miles you are going to cover, there’s still a need to make sure your bike is prepped for the journey.

It helps to apply the right techniques in maintaining your bike prior to the trip. Aside from reaching optimum performance, your goal is to also ensure your safety along the way. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, it pays to know that your bike is tweaked as this will make the journey much more enjoyable.

Here are some top tips for maintaining your bike for long-distance travels.

  1. Perform a thorough inspection

At most times, you will need to go in-depth — there are issues in your bike that just can’t be observed by the naked eye, so it’s best to practise vigilance. Take every detail into account, because the slightest issues can affect safety as well as performance. Still, performing an inspection on your bike can be a time-consuming and tedious task. So it may be best to find a professional mechanic to give your bike a thorough examination, starting from the engine down to the brakes. This allows you to know exactly how much you are going to spend for repairs and replacement parts later on.

  1. Check tire integrity

It doesn’t matter the brand or make of your bike, whether it’s a cafe racer or a sports bike, it’s always important to check your tires and make sure they are properly inflated. Erratic weather can complicate any journey, so it’s crucial to get tires that are suited for both sun and rain. Old tires should be replaced if you are opting to maintain performance as you hit max speeds.

  1. Replace and repair damaged parts

During the inspection, you might come across several issues, especially if your bike has seen better days. Certain parts might not be in the same level of quality as they used to be years back, so it’s important to replace these parts on the double. In Australia, there’s no shortage of parts ranging from the gears to the lights. Repair services are also widespread across the country — you can bet that there’s a shop that does suspension damage repair Perth riders can depend on.

  1. Check your brakes

Aside from small parts, you also need to check the braking system of the bike. This means making sure the brakes can lock with no issue and that they are properly maintained.  So, change the brake fluids regularly and clean the calliper. Bleeding your brakes might be a messy task to handle, but it is still essential if it means protecting yourself from accidents along the way.

  1. Get the right accessories

After making sure your bike is thoroughly maintained from the inside and out, you can proceed to installing added features such as GPS systems and other amenities that can make the journey comfortable. Just be sure to install what you really need, as too many accessories give too much distraction.