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About This Quiz
So, you bought a motorcycle. Do you know how to maintain it? Take this quiz to find out if you know everything you need to know to maintain your bike.
Motorcycle enthusiasts come in multiple kinds, from those who ride for fun to those who are deeply immersed in the culture. No matter your reason for riding, you'll need to know the basics of motorcycle maintenance to ensure that you don't end up sitting on the side of the road one night waiting for your friend to load your bike into the bed of his pickup truck because you blew your engine... hey, it happens.ÂÂ
Just like basic automobile maintenance, the smart rider needs to know a few basics. Leave the big stuff to the professionals, but make sure you can do the bare minimum. So, if you know when to begin your motorcycle maintenance program (on the first day), how often to change your oil and filter (every 12 months), and whether or not you should base your maintenance schedule on distance or time (whichever one comes first), then you're not only ready for this quiz, but you're also a responsible motorcycle owner.
Let's get ready to ride. Get started with this quiz to find out if you know the basics of motorcycle maintenance.
When you get a bike, when should you begin your maintenance program?
Within one month
On the first day
Whether your bike is new or used, start thinking about how you'll maintain it as soon as it's yours. Read the owner's manual thoroughly, know what kind of fuel, oil, and other products it needs, and set up a system for tracking mileage and maintenance tasks.
Within six months
After 1,500 miles
Most owner's manuals contain charts advising you of maintenance tasks that need to be performed. What does "I" usually mean?
Inspect
"I" usually means inspect. For example, your manual might advise you to inspect your bike's spark plugs or shocks.
Intervene
Immediately
Imagine
How often do manufacturers typically suggest that you change your oil and filter?
Every two years
Twice a year
Every 12 months
Most manufacturers suggest replacing your oil and filter once a year, or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Every month
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When is the best time to take your bike to the dealer to have maintenance or other work done?
Winter
Dealers' maintenance shops are usually less busy during winter months, so they have more time to devote to your bike and they might even offer financial incentives. Besides, you're off the road for the most part anyway, right?
Spring
Fall
Summer
How often should you inspect and lubricate your steering head bearings?
Every two years
Most manufacturers recommend conducting this task every other year. However, depending on how much you use your bike, you can stretch it a bit longer.
Every three months
Every five years
Once a year
Should you base your maintenance schedule on distance or time?
Distance
Time
Neither
Whichever comes first
Like with an automobile, many motorcycle maintenance tasks are based on either time or distance, whichever comes first. This ensures proper care, whether you use your bike a lot or a little.
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In what situation might you want to step up maintenance tasks to a more frequent timetable?
If you live in a hot climate
If you ride in harsh conditions
The manufacturer's guidelines are really a general suggestion that you might need to vary based on your own situation. For example, if you ride all winter in a cold, snowy climate, or if you take your bike through rough terrain on a regular basis, you might consider performing certain tasks more often.
If your bike is more than five years old
If your bike is brand new
What does it mean if your bike has a wet clutch?
You left it out in the rain.
You've added too much oil.
Oil also serves as transmission fluid.
Some motorcycles have what is called a wet clutch, meaning that the engine oil also serves as transmission fluid. This makes it extra important to choose the right oil for your bike, not just whatever you put into your car.
Your bike fell into a body of water.
When changing the oil, why should you let your bike run for a few minutes first?
To improve the oil flow.
Obviously you must drain the old oil before replacing it, and it helps to warm up the engine for about five minutes first. This warms the oil, enabling it to drain faster and empty the tank more completely.
To get a better read on the oil level.
You should not do this.
So you won't have to touch the cold metal.
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How often should you change your bike's brake fluid?
Every month
Once a year
Every two years
Most manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every other year. Take a look at it once a month or so though.
Every five years
What is a sight glass?
A nickname for a rear-view mirror
A peep hole for viewing the oil level
Many bikes have a sight glass, or a little window through which you can view the oil level. This eliminates the need for a dipstick, as you can simply look to see if the oil is at the proper level according to the hash marks.
A magnifying glass
Special sunglasses for bikers
What common kitchen tool can be handy for motorcycle maintenance?
A melon baller
A serrated knife
A meat mallet
A turkey baster
An ordinary turkey baster is a favorite tool of many DIY bike owners. They use it to remove the existing brake fluid before replacing it.
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Why should you put a bit of oil onto a new filter's o-ring before installing it?
To help it slide on more easily
To test the new oil
To get a better seal
Before installing a new oil filter, many people recommend dipping a finger into the new oil and rubbing a bit on the new filter's o-ring. This provides a tighter, more secure seal when the new filter is installed.
To improve performance
What is the first step to take before checking or changing your brake fluid?
Make sure the tank is level.
It's essential to make sure the reservoir is as level as possible. Otherwise the fluid can come pouring out when you remove the cap, and it can be dangerous both to your skin and your bike's paint.
Put the bike on its side.
Remove the cap on the tank.
Warm up the engine.
Why is tire maintenance even more important on a motorcycle than on a car?
Bike tires are more expensive.
Bike tires wear out faster.
Bike tires are smaller.
Proper tire maintenance is critically important on a bike because the tires are so small, and there are only two of them. That means far fewer points of contact with the road, so they can wear out faster.
It isn't.
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What is a simple tool you can use to check the tread on your tires?
A penny
It's easy to check tire wear by inserting a penny into the tread with the top of Lincoln's head facing down. If part of Lincoln's hair is still covered, you're OK, but if you can see all of his head, it's time to get a new tire.
A flat-heat screwdriver
A pencil
A piece of cardboard
What does "L" stand for on a maintenance chart?
Look
Lubricate
"L" typically stands for lubricate. For example, your chain needs to be lubricated periodically.
Loosen
Liken
How often should you inspect your steering head bearings?
Every two years
Every six months
Once a year
Steering head bearings should be inspected once a year or every 6,000 miles, according to most manufacturers. Every two years, they should be repacked with fresh grease.
Every five years
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Which of these should you consider doing every four years or 24,000 miles?
Replace brake and fuel lines
Every four years, most manufacturers recommend inspecting and probably replacing your brake and fuel lines. Take a look at the radiator hoses at the same time.
Replace tires
Change oil
Inspect master cylinder
When should you consider using a battery tender?
Every night
When you store your bike for more than a few days
A battery tender keeps your battery fully charged when you're not using it. If you don't plan to ride for a couple of weeks or longer, it's a good idea to use one to avoid battery drainage.
Every two weeks
Once a month
What does "R" stand for on a typical maintenance chart?
Reuse
Reconfigure
Replace
"R" usually stands for replace. An example of this directive might be changing your oil or other fluids.
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When is a good time to change your bike's spark plugs?
When you change the oil
Having good spark plugs is key to keeping your bike's engine running smoothly. Many mechanics recommend switching them out each time you change your oil.
When you get new tires
When you replace the brake fluid
At the beginning of the spring riding season
Why is it a good idea to have someone sit on your bike while you adjust the chain?
In case you need help later
To start and stop the engine
To read the directions in the owner's manual
To mimic actual riding conditions
No matter how you adjust the chain, it will tighten once a rider is on board. That's why it's helpful to have some kind of load on the bike, preferably a person sitting on it, so you can adjust it properly.
In your chart of maintenance tasks, what does "C" usually mean?
Check
Charge
Clean
"C" typically stands for clean, but not always. It might mean change, so think before you act.
Coordinate
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Under what conditions should you change your bike's coolant?
When the engine is cold
Usually you just need to top off your coolant once a year or whenever it gets a bit low, but sometimes you might want to change it completely. In that case, do it with a completely cold engine.
With the bike on its side
When the engine is warm
When the outside temperature is above 60 degrees
How often should you inspect your brake pads?
Once a year
Brake performance is something you don't want to mess with. Check your pads once a year or every 6,000 miles and replace them if they are wearing close to the metal.
Twice a year
Every month
Every three years
When you change your spark plugs, why should you carefully inspect the old ones before tossing them out?
They might not need replacing after all.
They might be under warranty.
Certain conditions can indicate other problems.
Regardless of age, the old spark plugs should be clean and dry. If they are covered in oil, are pitted, or have other damage, your bike might be experiencing other unseen problems and need a tune-up.
To be sure you've gotten the right ones for replacement.
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What should you look for when inspecting your clutch cable?
A change in color
Presence of green gunk
Nicks or cuts
It's important to take a look at your clutch cable once a year or so. If you see nicks or cuts in the housing that could allow water or debris to reach the cable itself, replace the cable.
Kinks
When replacing your bike's battery, why should you grease the terminals before putting in the new battery?
To make it easier to install
To help avoid corrosion
Adding a bit of grease to the terminals before installing a new battery will help avoid corrosion, which can lead to other issues.
To make the bike start easier
To help the battery hold a charge
After changing your bike's oil, why should you wait a few minutes before taking it out for a ride?
To be sure it's at the right level
After changing the oil, it's a good idea to start the engine, check for leaks, and then turn it off again. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the level again, adding more or removing some with a turkey baster or syringe if necessary.
To let the engine cool down
To be sure you're rested
To let the engine warm up first
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Why should you use a dedicated motorcycle cleaning product for cleaning your bike, rather than household products?
It is less corrosive.
Household products, such as dish soap, will do an adequate job of cleaning a bike, but they can be corrosive to aluminum surfaces and can also be tough on a wax job. It's better to invest in a product specifically designed for cleaning motorcycles.
It is cheaper.
It contains wax.
It doesn't scratch.
How often should you replace your bike's air filter?
Every five years
Once a month
Once a year
Check your air filter once a year or every 6,000 miles or so. If you have a pleated paper filter and it's not terribly dirty, you can clean it with compressed air, but if you're in doubt, replace it.
Every two years
If your spark plugs are older but not yet ready to be replaced, how can you lengthen their life?
Wash them with dish soap
Use sandpaper
If you want to get a little more life out of your spark plugs, some sandpaper can do the trick. Make sure it's a fine grain though, and clean off every bit of grit.
Clean them with compressed air
Leave them out in the sun
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What does "A" stand for in your owner's manual maintenance guide?
Animate
Adjust
The "A" on your maintenance chart usually stands for Adjust. You might need to adjust valves, for example.
Activate
Articulate
What's the cardinal rule of motorcycle maintenance?
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Don't try to do it yourself.
Fix it before it breaks.
Whether you work on your bike yourself or take it to a mechanic, it's important to stay on top of inspections and routine maintenance. Even if everything seems to be working fine, you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire or dead battery, do you?
Your dealer is your best friend.
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