As a newcomer, who just want to start riding a motorcycle, it is essential that you have a good understanding of the various parts of your bike and their functions. Not only is this important for the maintenance and upkeep of your motorcycle, but it is also crucial for your safety on the road. There are several major parts of a motorcycle that every rider should be familiar with, and in this article, we will go over some of the most important ones.
Front Brake:
The front brake is typically located on the handlebars and is used for low to heavy braking. It is important to note that this brake should not be used while cornering, as it can cause the front tire to lose grip. Additionally, it should not be used if there is sand on the road, as it can cause the wheels to lock up and result in a crash.
Rear Brake:
The rear brake is a foot brake that is typically used for low-speed braking and to help balance the bike when braking heavily. It is often used more in slippery road conditions to help bring the bike to a stop.
Clutch:
The clutch is a hand-operated lever that is used to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. It is typically located on the left side of the handlebars and is essential for changing gears on a manual transmission motorcycle.
Shift Lever:
The shift lever is used to change gears on the motorcycle. It is typically located on the left side of the bike, near the foot pegs. When shifting gears, it is important to remember to pull in the clutch lever before shifting.
Gas Tank:
The gas tank is where the fuel for the motorcycle is stored. It is important to keep the gas tank filled in order to keep the bike running.
Fuel Valve:
Some older motorcycles have a fuel valve that must be turned on in order to supply fuel to the engine. It is important to remember to turn the fuel valve off when parking the motorcycle to prevent fuel from leaking.
Signal:
The signal is a switch located on the handlebars that is used to indicate to other road users which direction the motorcycle is turning. It is typically located on the right or left side of the handlebars, depending on the manufacturer.
Horn:
The horn is a device that is used to alert other road users to the presence of the motorcycle. It is typically located on the handlebars and is activated by pressing a button. Don’t forget, give a horn if you see a girl on the sidewalk.
Tail Light:
The tail light is a red light located at the back of the motorcycle that is used to make the bike more visible to other drivers at night.
Head Light:
The headlight is a light located at the front of the motorcycle that can be used in low or high-beam mode. It is important to use the headlight at night or in low visibility conditions in order to improve visibility for the rider and other road users.
Brake Light:
The brake light is a red light located at the back of the motorcycle that is activated when the brakes are applied. It is used to warn other drivers that the motorcycle is slowing or stopping.
Temperature Warning Light:
Some motorcycles have a temperature warning light that indicates when the engine is overheating. This is particularly important on bikes with water-cooled engines, as overheating can cause serious damage.
Battery:
The battery is a vital component of the motorcycle’s electrical system. It is typically located under the seat, behind the gas tank, or under the gas tank, depending on the manufacturer.
It’s easy to understand if switched on and there is no light on the meter panel, the horn and signal also not working which means the motorcycle is running out of battery.
Engine Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick:
The engine oil fill cap or dipstick is used to check the level and condition of the engine oil in the motorcycle. It is typically located near the engine and can be accessed by removing the cap or called a dipstick.
It is important to regularly check the engine oil level and condition in order to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and functioning correctly. Failing to maintain the proper level of engine oil can lead to serious damage to the engine and other components of the motorcycle.
Conclusion
Knowing the names and functions of the various parts of a motorcycle is crucial for safe and effective riding.
Some of the major parts that every rider should be familiar with include the front and rear brakes, which are used for slowing and stopping the bike; the clutch, which is used to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission;
the shift lever, which is used to change gears; the gas tank, which holds the fuel for the motorcycle; the fuel valve, which controls the flow of fuel to the engine; the signal and horn, which are used to communicate with other road users; the tail and headlights, which provide visibility in low light conditions; the brake light, which warns other drivers when the bike is braking; and the temperature warning light, which indicates when the engine is overheating
