10 Most Common Motorcycle Issues and How to Fix Them
As thrilling as riding a motorcycle is, every biker knows that along with the excitement comes the responsibility of maintaining their machine. Whether you’re new to riding or a seasoned pro, it’s essential to recognise and address the common issues that can affect your bike’s performance and safety. This blog will cover the top 10 most common motorcycle problems and provide simple steps to fix them, ensuring your bike remains in top shape for every ride.
1. Flat Tires
Flat tyres are one of the most common problems motorcyclists face, and they can happen anytime. A puncture from nails, glass, or other debris can leave you stranded, and wear and tear from riding on rough roads can slowly cause air to leak.
How to Fix It
Always carry a repair kit. They are pretty inexpensive, ranging from less than £10.00 to over £30.00. Most kits include plugs or patches to temporarily seal punctures and small CO2 cartridges to reinflate the tyre.
Check Tyre Pressure Regularly: Properly inflated tyres reduce the risk of blowouts and help prevent uneven wear.
Replace Worn tyres: This may seem obvious, but when did you last check your tyres with a depth gauge or for uneven wear? When the tread is too thin, it’s time for a new tyre. Riding on worn tyres increases your chances of slipping or losing control, especially in wet conditions.
2. Dead Battery
A dead battery is an inconvenience no rider wants, but it’s all too common, especially if your motorcycle sits idle for long periods. Batteries lose charge over time, particularly in cold weather or exposure to constant short rides.
How to Fix It
Use a Battery Trickle Charger: I have one on each of my bikes as it’s likely neither of them will be used over the winter and will be sitting in the garage until early spring. Using a Trickle Charger will ensure the batteries remain charged at all times.
Check Connections: Loose or corroded battery terminals can cause electrical problems. Clean and tighten the connections to ensure good contact.
Replace Old Batteries: Unfortunately, batteries don’t live forever, even if you keep them charged at all times. Manufacturers tend to promote that motorcycle batteries last 2-4 years, but in reality, they will last longer than that, especially if you keep them charged all the time. However, if your battery struggles to hold a charge, it may be time for a replacement.
3. Clutch Cable Issues
A stiff or broken clutch cable is a frustrating problem that can make shifting gears difficult or impossible. Clutch cables wear down over time and can snap, mainly if they aren’t regularly maintained.
How to Fix It
Lubricate the Cable: Regularly lubricating the clutch cable prevents stiffness and reduces wear, making your clutch smoother.
Inspect for Fraying: Look for signs of wear, such as fraying along the cable. If the cable is damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Adjust Tension: If the clutch feels too tight or loose, adjust the cable tension using the adjustment nuts near the clutch lever or on the cable itself.
4. Chain and Sprocket Wear
Your motorcycle’s chain and sprockets are critical to its performance, transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, chains can stretch, and sprockets can wear down, leading to poor performance or even a broken chain.
How to Fix It
Clean and Lubricate the Chain: A dirty chain increases friction and accelerates wear. Clean the chain regularly with a degreaser and apply chain lube to ensure smooth operation. Especially after washing your motorcycle.
Check Chain Tension: If the chain is too tight or loose, it can cause damage to the sprockets or affect handling. Adjust the tension according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Replace Worn Components: If your chain or sprockets are excessively worn, they should be replaced. Running on a worn chain increases the likelihood of a breakdown and can damage other components.
5. Faulty Brakes
Reliable brakes are essential for safe riding. Whether it’s a squeaky brake, fading stopping power, or spongy brake levers, brake issues are not something to ignore.
How to Fix It
Replace Brake Pads: Worn brake pads reduce stopping power and can damage your rotors. Check your pads regularly and replace them when worn to the recommended thickness.
Bleed the Brake Lines: Air may have entered the brake lines if your brake lever feels soft or spongy. Bleeding the brake system removes trapped air and restores solid braking pressure.
Check Brake Fluid: Low or dirty brake fluid can reduce braking performance. Top up the fluid and replace it if it’s contaminated or past its recommended service interval.
6. Overheating Engine
Overheating is another common problem, especially during hot weather or riding in traffic. Low coolant levels, oil problems, or poor airflow through the engine can cause this.
How to Fix It
Check Coolant Levels: Low coolant can cause your engine to overheat quickly. Ensure your coolant is topped up and there are no leaks in the system.
Change Engine Oil: Old or insufficient oil can contribute to overheating, as the oil helps calm and lubricate the engine. Change your oil regularly, especially after long rides.
Clear Radiator or Cooling Fins: Dirt or debris blocking the radiator or cooling fins can prevent proper airflow, leading to overheating. Clean these components to improve cooling.
7. Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can manifest in various ways, from flickering lights to malfunctioning gauges or even a total failure to start. Faulty wiring, blown fuses, or bad connections are often the culprits.
How to Fix It
Check Fuses: If your bike’s electrical system is acting up, check the fuse box for blown fuses and replace them as necessary.
Inspect Wiring: Look for signs of worn or frayed wires that may cause shorts or bad connections. Repair or replace damaged wiring.
Test the Battery and Charging System: If your lights dim or your battery isn’t charging properly, test the alternator or stator to ensure they function correctly.
8. Poor Throttle Response
A sticky or unresponsive throttle can make it difficult to control your speed and is a common complaint, particularly for older bikes or those that aren’t regularly maintained.
How to Fix It
Lubricate the Throttle Cable: Throttle cables can dry out over time and cause resistance. Regular lubrication ensures smooth throttle movement.
Check for Kinks: Inspect the throttle cable for kinks or fraying, which can hinder proper throttle action. Replace the cable if it shows significant wear.
Adjust the Throttle Freeplay: If the throttle has too much slack, adjust the free play at the handlebar to get a more responsive feel.
9. Fuel System Problems
Fuel system issues can range from clogged fuel filters to dirty carburettors or faulty fuel injectors, leading to poor performance or difficulty starting.
How to Fix It
Clean the Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the engine. Replace the filter if it’s dirty or worn.
Clean the Carburetor: If your motorcycle has a carburettor, it can become clogged with dirt or old fuel over time. Cleaning the carburettor or using a fuel system cleaner can restore smooth fuel flow.
Inspect Fuel Lines: Cracked or leaking fuel lines can cause poor performance or fuel loss. Replace any damaged lines.
10. Suspension Problems
Your motorcycle’s suspension system is critical in handling and riding comfort. Worn shocks, leaky fork seals, or incorrect suspension settings can make your ride harsh or unstable.
How to Fix It
Check for Leaks: If you notice oil around your fork seals or rear shock, they may leak. Leaky suspension components should be repaired or replaced to restore proper damping.
Adjust Suspension Settings: If your ride feels too stiff or too soft, you can adjust the suspension settings. Your bike’s manual recommends the recommended settings based on your weight and riding style.
Replace Worn Shocks or Fork Springs: Over time, suspension components wear out and lose effectiveness. Replacing worn shocks or fork springs can dramatically improve your bike’s handling and ride quality.
Conclusion
Like any vehicle, motorcycles require regular maintenance to stay in top shape. By recognising these common problems and knowing how to address them, you can avoid breakdowns, extend the life of your bike, and, most importantly, stay safe on the road.
Keeping a close eye on your tyres, battery, clutch, chain, brakes, and other critical components will ensure that your motorcycle performs at its best, ride after ride. And remember, while many of these issues can be fixed at home, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure or the problem is more serious.
A well-maintained motorcycle isn’t just about performance but also about safety and confidence on the open road. Stay proactive with your bike’s upkeep, and enjoy the freedom of riding without worrying about unexpected issues!
