Motorcycle
maintenance and repair can get expensive if you ride your bike regularly. If
you’re thinking about taking over some of the regular service projects on your
motorcycle, you should check your abilities, equipment and knowledge before you
ever start.You can buy OEM
motorcycle parts but installing those parts may not be the
best idea. Here’s a guide to assessing whether to let a pro do the job or if
you can take it on yourself.
Evaluate
Your Skill Level
Be
honest. Are you handy with tools or do you find yourself giving up when the
project gets difficult? It might hard to admit that you can’t do something, but
if you start the project and have to take it to a professional to finish it up,
chances are it will cost even more than if you just let the pro handle it from
the start. Ego doesn’t always equal ambition.
Where
Will You Work?
Consider
the place where you can do the project. If you don’t have a garage, you might
want to leave service to the pros. You want to make sure your bike is secure
while the you’re completing the repair. You might end up waiting for parts. It
might take longer to fix your bike than one evening.
Do
You Have the Right Tools?
While
you’re thinking about space, consider whether you have the tools to make the
project go easier. It’s not just a question of getting the tools, it’s whether
the investment is worth it. You might want to purchase basic tools that will
let you do a variety of repairs. Some repairs may take specialized equipment
that you might only use once. Professionals use their tools over and over. If
that’s not you, spend the money on professional service and motorcycle jackets.
Find
the Service Manual – Can You Envision Yourself Doing the Repair?
Before
you begin a project, spend some time reading the service manual that walks you
through the procedure. Do you understand the process? Can you visualize what
needs to be done before you ever take any parts off your bike? If you can see
yourself handling the repair, you might be able to proceed. If you don’t feel
like you have a good handle on the project, it might be better to hand it off
to the pros.
How
Technical Is Your Bike or the Project?
Newer
bikes have more electronic equipment than those of the past. Your bike may need
to be serviced by a professional to avoid voiding the warranty. Consider the
age of your bike. Maintenance that
involves more than one system or highly technical systems is often better left
to the pros. Wouldn’t you rather spend time riding than making repairs?
Take
Care of Your Bike
If
you do decide to DIY, track your repairs and service like a professional
mechanic would. You probably can handle some of the basic maintenance, if
that’s your thing. Just remember that some projects are best left to the pros.
Purchase high quality motorcycle aftermarket parts that fit how you ride.
