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5 Ways to Maintain 3-Wheel Motorcycles

May. 23 2021 News By Marketing

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Three-wheeled motorcycles, also called trikes, have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Riding a 3-wheel motorcycle (think Can-Am Spyder three-wheel motorcycle) makes you more noticeable on the road as it attracts a lot of attention. If you are a regular rider, then having a properly maintained trike assumes great importance.

A 3-wheel motorcycle requires more frequent services than a car. Here are five ways to maintain your 3-wheel motorcycle so that it’s always ready for a ride:

Change the oil

To keep your engine running properly, it is necessary to regularly change oil. Since an engine is made up of several moving parts, it is essential to keep it properly lubricated. However, over time, the oil can collect dirt, debris, and gunk. When that happens, it fails to do its job properly. Keep these factors in mind when changing oil: 

  • Your motorcycle’s make, model, and year

  • How frequently you use your motorcycle

  • Which type of oil you use

There are three types of oil: mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic. You can use any one of them depending on the type of motorcycle you own. Check your motorcycle’s manual to ensure that you are using the right oil. 

Replace the air filter

According to experts, it is important to change your air filter as often as you change your oil. Air filters trap dirt and other particulate matter, preventing them from entering into your engine. A dirty filter reduces the fuel mileage and affects the power of your engine. Air filter comes in three forms: OEM paper, oiled cotton gauze and oiled foam. Most of the OEM paper filters have a viscous coating to help trap fine dust. A cotton gauze filter uses layers of cotton infused with oil to help pluck any incoming muck from the air. These filters perform better with age as compared to paper filters. 

Check the tires

Tires play a crucial role in the proper functioning of a three-wheel motorcycle. Apart from soaking up the impact from bumps, they offer traction for accelerating, braking and turning. A well-maintained tire not only makes you reach your destination safely but also reduces the chances of accidents due to poor weather. For peace of mind, try to buy the right set of tires from reputed brands, rather than going for cheap generic tires. If you are using a touring motorcycle, select a tire that can handle the weight of the bike and the rider. If you are wondering when to change the tire, inspect its tread. The tread is that part of the tire that provides grip. 

Keep your chain clean and lubed

Keeping your chain clean helps it run quietly and perform better. Cleaning and lubing the chain is a simple 15-minute process. To clean your chain, follow these steps:

  • Elevate the rear wheel of your bike and put the transmission in neutral

  • Use a brush to gently clean the grime off the chain

  • Rotate the back wheel to lubricate the chain and apply a specially formulated chain lube.

  • Try to evenly coat the chain past the O-rings, and into the joint.

  • Lubricate in between the plates and plates

  • Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe off the excess lube with a simple cloth. 

Brakes

Brake-pads are the hardest-working parts in a motorcycle. Properly functioning brake pads are vital for an effective braking system. It is important to regularly check your brake pads for signs of wear. If you notice your brakes are making unusual noises or the lever is soft, it's time for a service. Check your brake discs for deep grooves, scoring, and cracks. Try to replace brake fluid every one to two years so that they can continue to perform. Before every ride, give your brakes an overall check. Ensure that your brake components are properly positioned and in good working order. 

About Basecamp Motorsports

We are a leading seller and maintenance service provider for motorsports in Calgary, AB. We believe that, with regular upkeep, owning a motor vehicle can be all the more rewarding. Therefore, we encourage our customers to take good care of their motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. Visit our website and find the extensive range of cargo trailers for sale in Calgary. Our skilled and certified motorsports mechanics are the best in the industry. 

You can call us at 403.441.1299 or fill out the contact form to ask your motorcycle maintenance-related queries.