Common Roadside Motorcycle Repairs

All motorcycle enthusiasts are happiest on a great ride, and many are almost as happy tuning them up at the end of the day. But some of us have never been particularly handy and find the idea of attempting our own repairs more than a little intimidating. That’s okay! A man’s got to know his limitations, and there’s no shame in leaving repairs you can’t handle to the pros. But some problems are simple enough that they can often be fixed quickly without a lot of tools. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to deal with them. If you ever have any questions about motorcycle maintenance our team at High Voltage Harley-Davidson® in Spartanburg, SC, is here to help. We also serve motorcycle lovers in Gaffney, SC.

Tighten up a Loose Chain

Check your owner’s manual for the recommended chain slack and write it down or remember it in case you need to make an adjustment. It’s easiest to adjust your chain while your bike is on a stand, but you can make adjustments with both wheels on the ground. Clean up the chain as well as you can, and slightly loosen the rear axle bolt before adjusting the tension on the swing arm adjustment nut. If you have two adjustment nuts at the rear of your swingarm, loosen the outer nut and pull the chain tighter by turning the inner nut clockwise. Adjust both sides equally until the chain is at the correct tension. Finish by tightening down the rear axle bolt and lubing your chain.

Fix a Broken Hose

Hoses are another repair that requires virtually no skill. Hoses usually break at connection points or near them, and when that happens all you have to do is cut off the damaged part of the hose and fit it back on. Be sure to keep a few spare hose clamps handy for this common situation. Self-fusing silicone repair tape is also convenient because it sticks to itself and doesn’t rely on adhesives. 

Replace Your Shifter Lever

If you wreck or tip over your bike on its left side, you can easily break your shifter lever. It’s not safe or practical to tape the lever back on, but it’s an easy repair if you have a replacement. You won’t have to remove any side panels or covers and the only tools you’ll need are a hex key or an open-end wrench. Be sure to buy the right part and keep it on your bike at all times.

For more information and to see our current inventory of motorcycles for sale, in Spartanburg, SC. We have a great parts and finance team!