Replacing Motorcycle Parts for Keeping your Bike in Shape
There are various types of two wheeled vehicles today but one that surely stands out substantially when it comes to power and speed is the motorcycle. Although motorcycles weren't the first two-wheel transportation devices they were among the first to gain a vast liking. It was in 1895 when the first mass production of motorcycles began. This happened 10 years after the first gasoline internal combustion engine was invented.
After World War II, motorcycles started to evolve from an engineering standpoint, the same went for their manufacturing costs. Better road networks contributed to the popularity of motorcycles which made this two wheeled gasoline powered vehicle the main transportation method in Asia. The 50s and 60s saw the boom of Japanese manufacturers which put American and British brands in the background. This was until the 1990s when both European and American brands regained some of the market. Today motorcycles are far more complex than what they once were which is why continuously upgrading various moto parts is a must.
Lights
Changing a light bulb at home may be an easy task but when it comes to your motorcycle there's some extra work you'll need to do. This will largely depend on the type of bike you have. For these motorcycle parts online and in-store availability is huge which means that you'll have to search for the right one extensively. Once you've figured which type of lights you feel are perfect for you bike it's time to install them.
Installation
- The first thing you'll need to do is to place your bike on a flat level surface , the bike needs to be held by a kickstand or your mate. Next, you'll need to loosen the screws and bolts holding the lights – these can be located in different locations. Refer to the instruction manual for this. Place the fasteners in a small container or plastic cup so you don't lose them.
- Take out the existing lights by removing a cover or coupling barriers and disconnect them. Be careful not to break the glass and when you have the light(s) out inspect the socket for residue and get rid of it if present. Once that's done install the new lights the same way you removed the old ones just in a reverse order. Make sure to test the lights before you put everything together.
Chain
The chain is what transfers all the power from he engine and onto the wheel. If this component is worn or has any significant damage like a broken chain link, it means that it is time to replace it. This will allow not only your bike to operate appropriately but it will prevent other components from getting damaged as well.
Installation
- The tools you'll need here are going to be a riveting tool, chain breaker and a torque wrench. Start by locating the front sprocket and loosen the bolts with the chain still on the motorcycle to prevent any stress on the transmission. When you have the bolts loose, brake the chain using the chain breaker tool.
- When you have the chain apart it's time to replace the sprocket. On the rear sprocket there 4 nuts and on the front there are two bolts. Remove them and install the new sprocket. Follow up by installing the master link.
- To install the master link you'll need to smear some of the lubricant that came with it on both the pins and x-rings. Then assemble the master link by following the provided manual around the ends of the chain so that the x-rings are positioned correctly. After that press the outer plate on the master link – this can be difficult. Once that's done peen the link's pins and you're done.
Battery
Again like lights these motorcycle parts online research is going to be needed to get the right battery and put it in the right place. Not all bikes will have their battery in the same spot, some may have it under the seat and others under the fuel tank. So make sure you disassemble the right components when replacing the battery.
Installation
- Once you've located and gained access to the battery you'll need to disconnect its positive and negative terminals labelled "+" and "-". Disconnect he negative terminal first to avoid a short circuit then follow it up by removing the positive terminal and remove the battery itself.
- Afterwards just place the new battery in the same place and connect it. Test the battery before you put back everything together and check the terminal connections before you do so.
Spark Plugs
The spark plug much like the chain is one of many essential motorcycle parts. Spark plugs help the bike start by giving it the needed spark to ignite the fuel, hence the name. Like your vehicle, changing the spark plugs will keep your bike running smoothly and keep it that way for a long time.
Installation
- For this type of installation you'll need a ratchet, spark plug socket and a spark plug gap tool. Your first step will be to remove the spark plug wires by pulling them off the cap - be careful not to pull on it so you don't damage the connection. Then mount the spark plug socket onto the ratchet and slip the socket over the spark plug.
- Turn the spark plug counter-clockwise with the ratchet until you have it loose and then remove it by hand. Inspect the plug for ash, pitting and black deposits – corrosion means that your bike needs a tune up. Get your spark plug gap tool to properly gap the new spark plugs. Just insert the metal wire into the gap of the spark plug and read the measurements.
- Adjust the gap if needed and then thread the plugs by hand so that they seat in properly. Then just repeat the same steps you did when removing the old spark plugs just in a reverse order. Once you have the spark plugs in put the cap back on them and you're done.
