Owning a motorcycle is an exciting endeavor. However, bikes need maintenance and upgrades over time to function correctly.
Whether you need to fix something broken or add an upgrade for extra power, many store has the parts you need. Choosing motorcycle parts that will fit your bike is essential to maximize your ride.
Know Your Bike’s Design
The right motorcycle parts can help your bike handle rough terrains and travel long distances. They can also improve your riding experience and allow you to reach your destination quickly. However, new riders can take time and effort to choose the right parts.
Most replacement parts are designed to fulfill a specific factory function and look and behave generally like the OEM part they replace. Testing each of these parts for compatibility with every possible combination of other aftermarket parts and accessories a rider might install on their bike is hard.
The risk of buying a product that won’t fit is reduced when you buy from sellers who provide clear and accurate fitment information on their products.
Know Your Bike’s Specifications
One of the most important things to know when purchasing a bike is its frame size. If the frame is too small, your legs and torso may become cramped, making it difficult to pedal the bike at higher speeds.
It’s also a good idea to ask the seller whether the bike has been broken per the manual’s recommendations and if it has been serviced regularly (instead of just being serviced when it needed an oil change). This will help you avoid buying a bike that may have some early mechanical problems (like improper jetting on a carbureted bicycle or smoke from brakes).
Know Your Bike’s Components
When you clearly understand your bike’s parts and components, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting will be much easier. To help you out, this article will provide a comprehensive list of essential bike parts, their names, and their functions.
The frame is the central part of a bike. It is usually made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
The bike chain is a series of metal links that connect the crankset to the rear wheel gears. The front derailleur shifts the chain between the different-sized sprockets on your rear cassette. The tires are mounted on the wheel rims and make contact with the road’s surface as you ride.
Know Your Bike’s Functions
Although operating a motorcycle seems simple, there is much to learn about its anatomy and function. This knowledge can help you keep your bike in working order and repair it faster.
Bike chains are the heart of a bicycle’s general mechanism. They must be lubricated regularly to maintain their efficiency and durability.
The headset is a part of the bike that connects the frame and wheel fork to your handlebars. It allows you to turn your bike and steer it forward or backward. The handlebars are the part you hold on to when riding your bike. They are a vital safety component that must be padded or plugged in to prevent the bare tubing from stabbing you in case of a crash.
Know Your Bike’s Ergonomics
Having a good bike is essential, as is having a good fit. The more comfortable you are on your bike, the longer and farther you’ll ride!
Ensure your handlebars are optimal for both seated and standing positions. This can be achieved by loosening the four bolts, holding your bars in place, and rotating them upward until they are at a point that is comfortable for you from both positions. When the usual suspects aren’t providing solutions, however, you may determine that it’s time for a motorcycle repair by professionals.
This adjustment is called rider sag, which determines how much compression the suspension experiences when sitting still. Too slight rider sag could cause knee injuries, while too much can lead to back pain.
Know Your Bike’s Suspension
A bike’s suspension is an integral part of the ride experience. It helps absorb impacts and separates the biker from the frame (chassis).
Shock settings can be tweaked to fit the rider’s needs and riding terrain. One important setting is sag, which measures how much the shock compresses when the bike sits on the seat with no load.
Getting this right is essential for your comfort and ride performance. You also want to make sure the low-speed compression damping is set correctly. This setting influences the suspension’s characteristics at low shaft speeds and should be charged according to your owner’s manual. Finally, it’s essential to regularly check the air pressure on your shocks and forks as they lose air over time.
