Has your 2-wheeled vehicle broke down? Are you hearing an odd noise when riding your bike? Maybe it's time for an annual check-up? Or you're looking for a complete overhaul? Despite carrying out regular care and maintenance, issues may still arise, especially if you use your motorbike or scooter on a daily basis.

Why is motorbike maintenance important?

• Increases the lifespan of your motorbike
• Boosts safety on the road
• Enhances its second-hand value
• Saves you money in the long run
• Reduces the time your bike stays idle at a motorcycle workshop

When should you take your bike to a motorcycle service centre?

Whether you use your bike for your daily commute or just for a relaxing Sunday ride, you want your bike in working condition at all times. Thus, apart from visiting your mechanic whenever you hear abnormal sounds, you need to carry out regular maintenance and annual checkups.

Where should you take your bike for repair?

Most technicians and mechanics in motorbike repair shops would be motorcycle enthusiasts, so you can rest assured they'll put all their passion into any repair which needs to be conducted. Most can work on most 2-wheeled vehicles, together with quad bikes and ski jets, but some repair shops may specialise in specific brands or types of bikes, or in specific services (such as restoration or accident repair), so do the necessary research before you pop by.

Moreover, check reviews, ask for references, and make sure you ask for a quote before you commit.

What kind of repairs are generally conducted in motorcycle repair shops?

The professionals in motorcycle garages have the necessary tools to diagnose your bike, pinpoint issues and carry out the necessary repairs. Here's the most common repair and maintenance services offered:

• Wheel balancing and wheel alignment
• Bike rebuilding
• Motorbike restoration
• Electrical repairs
• Mechanical repairs
• Engine overhauls
• Injector cleaning
• Dyno tests
• Crankshaft rebuilding
• Frame alignment
• Rim repairs
• Spoke lacing
• Tyre replacement
• Puncture repair
• Motorbike customising

Maintenance packages and towing services may also be offered by some bike shops.

Other services offered by motorcycle shops

Apart from offering motorbike repair, some shops also offer new and used motorbikes for sale, protecting clothing, helmets, bike parts and accessories, and motorcycle care products for sale.

How to take care of your bike

If you wish to reduce the time your bike spends idle and to prolong your bike's lifetime, here are some tips on how you can keep your vehicle in mint condition:

• Adhere to the maintenance schedule: This depends on the bike type and model, so check the manual to pinpoint the components' lifespan.
• Brake-in your motorcycle properly: Specifications can be found in the manual.
• Change oil frequently: Oil change is recommended every 5000 to 10000 kms, but it all depends on the bike's age and the type of oil used.
• Clean air filter regularly.
• Maintain tyres in perfect condition: check tread depth and tyre pressure frequently.
• Keep all mechanical components lubricated.
• Wash your bike regularly.
• Learn how motorcycles work and how each individual component functions, so you can diagnose issues as early as possible. Joining a motor club is also beneficial.

Essential weekly bike checks 

• Oil and coolant levels
• Tyre pressure and wear and tear
• Lights
• Suspension
• Steering
• Brake pads: should not be thinner than 2mm
• Chain: should not be too tense or too loose
• Horn
• Spark plugs
• Battery

Visit one of the local motorcycle and motor scooter repair shops to get your bike up and running.

Is your bike being repaired? Check out the local shops supplying motorbike parts, and discover the range of shops renting motorcycles and scooters.