Basic Bike Repair: What Every Woman Rider Should Know

Buying a motorcycle is like a declaration of independence for many women, at least until it breaks down. While most bikes are reliable and dependable, there are some that are notorious for punking out on you at the worst possible second, like late at night on a deserted road. While no one is suggesting that you have to become Mrs. Motorcycle Wrench, there are a few basic repairs that you should be able to handle. Not only that, but you should have a basic emergency kit along with you to protect yourself in case of just such an event.

First things first: Make sure that you know how to properly maintain your bike and how to know that there is a problem brewing. All right, you know how to fuel up, but do you know that you should check the oil in the bike, too? Do you know how often to change it and what the best type to put in is? These are very basic things but often overlooked even by the most experienced of us. Make sure that you are not running your bike without all fluids at the proper levels.

Before you take off on a motorcycle ride, check your tires. Make sure that they are at the right inflation, and that there are no bulges or obvious deformities that should be taken care of before you set off. Getting stuck on the road with a flat tire is bad enough but having a blowout can be dangerous.

If your bike has a chain drive, then check the chain before you take off. The same goes for belt drives. A frayed or worn looking belt is just plotting the worst time to snap and break. Replace belts before they do that to you.

Finally, think about the items that you should be carrying with you on a regular basis whenever you are heading out on the bike. A basic first aid kit is a good consideration, especially if you tend to find every sharp spot on everything that you touch. The kit should have a few bandages, some antibacterial hand sanitizer and a small roll of gauze. You do not need a huge kit unless you are super accident prone.

You should also have some extra fuses for your bike, and an emergency repair kit which should include some road flares to alert others to your presence. But, of all of the things that you can pack with you on every road trip, short or long, your cell phone might be the most important tool that you have. While it's true that you should know the basic repairs, there are times when you have to admit that you aren't going to be able to repair it roadside and will have to be able to call for help.