Essentials for DIY Motorcycle Repair: What Every Biker Should Know

It’s fun to get out on the road and enjoy the wind in your hair and the sun on your back. The best part about owning a motorcycle is getting out on the open asphalt and seeing where the adventure takes you.

However, owning a motorcycle comes with many of the same responsibilities that owning a vehicle does. To keep a motorcycle road-worthy, you have to maintain and upkeep the two-wheeled transportation unit for maximum performance. 

Here are some of the legal essentials for you as a DIY motorcycle repair enthusiast to know. This way, you know your motorcycle is always road-worthy whether you want to go on a long adventure or you just want to have a leisure ride. The more you take care of your motorcycle, the better it will take care of you.

Contrary to what you may believe, your motorcycle needs more than an engine to be out on the road. This may be especially true when you own an older or used motorcycle that needs many upgrades. Your motorcycle requires lots of upkeep to keep it legal so you don’t get pulled over and possibly fined. At the bare minimum, you need to make sure your motorcycle has the following: 

You can upgrade your motorcycle on your own with these necessary (and other) elements to make it more visible on the road and to protect yourself when you’re riding among other motorists. If you have any questions about whether your motorcycle is ready to go out on the public roadways, you can ask your local DMV for an inspection or inquire about an inspection with your local police department to get the A-OK your motorcycle is ready for your next road trip. 

Warranties are a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to vehicle and motorcycle repairs. The thing about warranties is this: certain parts and functions of your motorcycle are covered under the original warranty provided you have repairs done professionally and within a certain timeframe. 

What does this mean to you as an avid DIY-er? It may mean that any motorcycle repairs you do on your own (without professional licensing) could void your warranty on your motorcycle. This can lead to you not only losing a warranty and any low-cost or free repairs and replacements that come along with it but also the costs of having to repair any work you do professionally if you aren’t entirely schooled up on the make and model of the motorcycle you’re servicing. 

The auto or motorcycle dealership you originally got your motorcycle from likely has a service department. When in doubt, take your motorcycle to the service department applicable in your area so you can keep any warranties in check and also get the necessary repairs done properly. 

If your motorcycle isn’t under any warranties and you’re confident in your automobile and motorcycle repair skills, proceed with home repairs in a safe and ventilated location. Just make sure all repairs you do are up to legal standards for your state. 

Just because your motorcycle has all the necessary components to be taken out on the Tennessee roads doesn’t mean you should do so immediately after having repairs done, especially when you’ve had the repairs done yourself. If you happen to get in a wreck on your motorcycle in Portland, Tennessee, and your bike is found to not be road-worthy due to malfunctions or ill repair, it can land you in legal trouble. This is where a Portland TN motorcycle accident attorney or similar attorney in your area can come in beneficial to you, but it’s best to avoid these legalities in the first place. 

Your local motorcycle mechanic can test drive your motorcycle for you and give you the go-ahead to take your bike out on the road. Get your mechanic’s professional sign-off in writing so if you do get into a future accident on your motorcycle (as motorcycle accidents can be unfortunately common despite how safe you are on the road) you can give this mechanic documentation to your motorcycle attorney to help you build a case. 

Vehicles often need regular inspections to stay legal on the road, and these inspections can help diagnose signs of wear and tear that can be fixed by a savvy DIY-er. If you do the same for your motorcycle, you can stay on top of the motorcycle maintenance and repair needs you’ll have so you can always have a road-worthy unit. 

Common signs of wear and tear on motorcycles include: 

If you notice any issues with your motorcycle while riding, get off the road as soon as you are safely able to and give your motorcycle a visual inspection. Walk around the bike and check the tires, brakes, horn, mirrors, blinkers, and other electric elements, as well as the engine. If your bike continues to give you problems, call for a tow. 

The better you care for your motorcycle, the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you’ll need. If you care for your motorcycle and follow all legalities in your state, you’ll be able to stay road-ready at all times. 

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