Regular maintenance of a BMW motorcycle: the key points not to neglect

Have you just bought a BMW motorcycle or have you already had one for a while and want to take care of it so that it remains in good working order for a long time?

BMW motorcycles are recognized for their performance, manufacturing quality and unique design. However, to maintain this performance, durability, reliability and safety on the roads, you must maintain your bike and its accessories regularly. In this article, our experts review the key points that should not be overlooked when regularly maintaining a BMW motorcycle.

1. Carry out a visual inspection of your motorcycle

The first step in maintaining your BMW motorcycle is to carry out a visual inspection of your motorcycle before each use. Check the condition of the chain, belt or transmission, tires, brakes, lights and oil. Make sure everything is in good condition before hitting the road.

2. Clean your motorcycle regularly

Regularly cleaning your BMW is essential to remove dirt, dust, bugs and other debris that can accumulate on your motorcycle. Use soapy water and a soft sponge to clean your motorcycle and avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your motorcycle's surfaces.

3. Change the engine oil and gearbox

Oil is essential to keep your BMW motorcycle's engine running smoothly.

Change your motorcycle's oil regularly to ensure that its engine runs properly, because oil lubricates engine parts and protects them against wear and corrosion. The oil filter must also be replaced during the oil change so that the oil circulates properly in the engine.

Additionally, take the time to check the coolant and gearbox levels as well as the fork oil.

4. Check tire pressure

Tire pressure should be checked regularly, as poorly inflated tires affect the handling of your BMW motorcycle and your safety on the roads. Also check the condition of the tires to make sure they are not worn or damaged. If you want to drive safely, avoid punctures and guarantee optimal grip on the road, we advise you not to neglect this step.

5. Inspect the brake system

The braking system is one of the most important parts of your BMW motorcycle. It is essential to regularly check:

• The wear of the brake pads by looking at their thickness;
• The condition of the brake discs to ensure that they are not warped or scratched;
• Fixing the stirrups;
• The level of brake fluid in the reservoir.

You should also inspect your discs and pads so that they are not contaminated with oil or grease.

6. Maintain the chain or transmission

The chain is a crucial part of your BMW motorcycle. To ensure your safety on the road and preserve the life of your motorcycle, lubricate your chain regularly and adjust it if necessary.

This is because the drive chain must be cleaned and adjusted regularly to ensure efficient and smooth power transmission. Poorly adjusted chains can cause damage to the transmission gears. If you don't maintain them properly, you run the risk of quickly damaging your parts and paying high fees to the mechanic.

When the chain tension is too loose, it can jump on the sprockets, which can lead to damage to your motorcycle and loss of control. If the tension is too tight, it can cause premature wear of the chain, sprockets and bearings. It is recommended to check the chain tension every 500 km or before each long journey.

7. Checking lights and indicators

As motorcyclists, the proper functioning of lights is essential to remain visible day and night. For your safety and that of other drivers, check your BMW motorcycle's lights and indicators regularly to ensure you are visible on the road. Make sure you are driving safely by checking each of the following lights:

• the front lights;
• rear lights;
• the indicators;
• brake lights.

If you neglect this step, you risk getting a fine if your lights malfunction and even having an accident, since you will be less visible on the roads.

8. Check the correct functioning of the battery

The battery powers the electrical system and starts the engine. Our BMW Motorrad experts recommend that you check the condition of your battery every 3 to 6 weeks, especially if you do not use your motorcycle regularly. You can check the condition of the battery using a voltmeter or by calling a qualified mechanic.

In addition to checking the condition of the battery, you should also make sure that the battery terminals are clean and tight. If the battery terminals are dirty or corroded, clean them with a metal brush and battery terminal cleaner.

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