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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A MOTORCYCLE

 

To make the best out of your motorcycle, you need to maintain it well. From engines to brakes, every part of your bike ages and needs to be protected as time passes. As we show below, you don’t always need to go to your local mechanic for some tasks. If you are a mechanic at heart, there are some tasks that are not too difficult to do on your own, such as changing your TOTAL HI-PERF engine oil or even your filters. 

Let’s learn how to do these!

Motorcycle engine oil should be changed every 5000 km.

You’ll need a seal-tight container for collecting the used oil, a pair of gloves, paper towels, a drain plug gasket, a funnel, an oil filter that’s fits your motorbike, a drain wrench and a filter wrench. That’s it, you’re all set! Place your vehicle on a flat surface and make sure the engine is slightly warm and has been turned off for about one minute.

Place the drain container under the crankcase.

Remove the oil fill plug from the crankcase. Then carefully unscrew the drain plug using the wrench. Be sure to watch for splattering oil, and wait until the oil has completely drained.

Unscrew your old filter. You’re now ready to clean the oil fill plug and drain plug and replace the oil filter gasket.

Pour a small amount of oil into your new filter using the funnel, and deposit a thin layer of oil on the new gasket. Then, clean the oil fill plug and drain plug. Replace the drain plug gasket as well.

Reinstall your filter manually and make sure the drain plug is tightened to the torque specified by the manufacturer.

Before you go further, check to be sure you’ve chosen an oil recommended by the manufacturer. To do that, look at your motorbike’s service manual.

Now, carefully pour the oil into the crankcase using a funnel.

Wait 2 minutes, then insert the fill plug.

Start up your motorbike and run the engine for a few minutes. Check your oil level again and repeat the process several times if necessary until your oil reaches the maximum level without ever going over.

You’re now set for a safe ride. Stay tuned for new to maintain your engine.

Remove your motorcycle oil filter cap, place a tray under the bike and remove the sump plug. Remove the appropriate bolt, which is the biggest one on the sump, usually on the bottom or on the side.

Once the oil is drained, remove the filter with a wrench.

Replace the sump plug, tighten to the correct torque setting as recommended in the owner's manual before spinning on a new filter. Smear the rubber filter gasket in clean oil before tightening by hand. Nip it up half a turn with the filter wrench.

Pour new oil. You can restart the bike after and check for leaks. After that, stop the engine for five minutes and check the level again.

Most people don’t know that used motor oil can be recycled.

How to safely dispose of oil

Keep your used motor oil in a clean, leakproof container like a plastic jug or bottle. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, children and pets. Used motor oil can't be recycled if it's mixed with other liquids like antifreeze or brake fluid.

Where to dispose of oil and oil filters

Where can you take your used motor oil and oil filter to dispose of them? Many auto parts stores and some service stations will take used motor oil and oil filters for recycling. We collect used oil as well, so you can also call our sales manager, who will advise you on the best option. Don't put it out with your normal trash!

Oil is a fundamental component for protecting a vehicle's engine and helps to ensure it has a long lifespan. The engine oil has to be changed regularly, according to the recommendations of the owner's manual. You should also refer to the owner's manual to find the TOTAL HI-PERF® that is best suited to the specific engine type.

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