BIKERS CLUB JAN 2019 ISSUE | Page 15

Service your engine regularly: Tune it up to keep - Provide regular lubrication, as well as cleaning and the engine running like clockwork and reduce your adjustment. fuel consumption. - Use paraffin to wash the chain. Clean the carburettor and maintain valve clearances. Use a piece of cloth and a soft brush to remove the Clean out the carburettor, for every 1500 kms (900 dirt in the chain. Never use water to clean the chains, miles) you travel. as that could rust the chain links. Clean the spark plugs and check the gap every 750 Wipe the chain with a clean dry cloth, once the dirt kms (450 miles) for an old / antique two-stroke has been cleaned completely. motorcycle and every 1500 kms (900 miles) for four- Use your old engine oil to lubricate the chain links stroke motorcycle. Spark plugs should be changed and the chain. as specified in the owner's manual (or if a problem is Ensure that your bike's chain has the proper tension suspected). It is critically important to use the correct and free play. Any variation will not power the rear spark plug grade and type. wheel smoothly. Keep the choke clean and have it replaced immediately if it is damaged. Clean the bike regularly: Keeping it clean of dirt (and salt in winter) will not only make it look nice but Maintain the transmission system: If your bike will help with maintenance, too. It also makes it chain is not lubricated, it may be damaged due to easier to notice missing or loose bolts and nuts. excess heat, and will wear out. This cumulative wear Cover the ignition switch unit, ignition coil and on all the separate links makes the chain loose, and silencer using plastic sheets, before you start more likely to fall off the sprockets. This can be very cleaning the motorcycle. Use a microfiber cloth to dangerous. clean your bike. Avoid exposing your bike to direct sunlight; try to park your bike in the shade.