You seldom need much more than your eyes and a clean cloth or paper towel to check the different fluid levels in your motorcycle. Fluid changes need equipment, but motorcycles are engineered so that you can check essential fluid levels without having to dig out the toolbox.

The fluids that should be checked on a regular basis include:

• Oil
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Transmission Oil
• Fork Oil
• Hydraulic Clutch Fluid

How Long should the fluids last

The life of your motorcycle’s essential fluids has increased thanks to improved oils and additives, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard the recommended service intervals.

Engine oil: Because they are harsher on the oil than cars, motorcycles require more frequent oil changes. In addition to running at greater RPMs than a vehicle, a motorbike frequently uses oil in both the engine and the gearbox. Your service handbook should be followed for instructions on how frequently to replace the oil. Generally speaking, it is advised that you replace your oil at least once a year, or every 6,000-8000 kms.

Coolant/antifreeze: Changing the motorcycle coolant should be done every two years but if more time is required, it can be extended. This should be a flush and fill that should be performed on your cooling system. Use the proper coolant colour for your bike when topping up or replenishing it; mixing incompatible coolants might result in internal damage, clogged cooling passages, or inadequate cooling.

Brake fluid: Since brake fluid (and hydraulic clutch fluid, which are identical) may collect water over time, it should be changed every two to three years to avoid internal corrosion. Since brake shoes and pads frequently need to be replaced every few years, it’s a good idea to bleed the brakes and refill the system with new fluid at the time.

On a motorbike, being able to stop is just as crucial as being able to go. Your braking system must function consistently and reliably. Having the right and fresh brake fluid is one method to guarantee that your bike will stop when you need it to.

Transmission Oil: You won’t need to bother about transmission or gear oil for most motorcycles. The engine oil is shared by a “wet clutch gearbox” for lubrication. On certain bikes, the transmission is separate from the engine. An oil with a greater viscosity is nearly usually necessary for motorcycles with independent gear systems. This is due to the fact that these motorcycles require an oil with a greater shear tolerance in order for the oil to last longer while being used. Again refer to your manual for this generally when you change engine oil transmission oil is changed also

Fork Oil: According to the recommendations of the manufacturer, which is often every one to two years, motorcycle fork oil should be replaced. Bikes that are ridden vigorously or off-road can require an early adjustment. High viscosity and high-performing anti-foaming additives are characteristics of good fork oil. You should always aim to match the recommended weight when picking a fork oil.

Hydraulic clutch fluid: Your hydraulic clutch fluid should be treated the same as the brake fluid. In fact, it is often the same exact fluid. Some clutch systems do require a mineral-based oil compared to the regular hydraulic fluid used. The fluid should be a light yellow color. If it is brown, it is time to change the clutch fluid. Always make sure that you use a new bottle when changing the fluid as an old, opened bottle could have degraded by absorbing too much moisture.

How to extend the life of your the motorcycle fluids

The best approach to increase the lifespan of every part of your motorcycle is to drive it moderately. Avoid extreme temperatures, dry conditions, towing, lengthy ascents or descents, and deep water. When starting the engine or during the first few minutes while waiting for the oil to circulate or warm up, avoid revving the engine quickly. Your motorcycle should survive far longer than the warranty period if you treat it like the intricate piece of technology that it is.

Simply said, you should never exceed the prescribed service intervals, whether from the motorcycle manufacturer or the fluid manufacturer. Oil becomes less slick over time, reducing power, fuel efficiency, and performance while increasing wear. Old coolant may still keep your engine cool, but it has lost important chemicals that keep internal corrosion at bay and lubricate moving parts like the water pump.

Not adhering to service intervals can decrease the reliability and life expectancy of your engine, so it’s simply unwise to seek out a way to extend the life of your fluids.

Why do we need to check these fluids frequently?

Obviously, the gas in your bike’s tank burns to power the engine and must be refilled on a regular basis or you won’t be able to go anywhere. The remainder of your bikes fluids are far longer lasting, but only somewhat more critical.

Unless there is a leak somewhere, a well-maintained engine should only require a 50-100ml of oil between oil changes. However, when the valve stem seals/guides and piston rings wear and age, more oil enters the combustion chambers and is consumed with the gasoline. Wear can also cause blow-by, with combustion gases pushing oil vapours into the breather system and air cleaner. Depending on the age and mileage of the motorcycle, you should check the oil level once a week, and certainly once a month, even for late models.

Our motorcycle’s cooling system is sealed and only vents to the atmosphere if it overheats. To be safe, you should always check the amount of coolant in the overflow tank whenever you’re under the hood. If the cooling system leaks, you may not discover it until enough fluid is lost to cause the bike to overheat, and overheating can cause major engine damage. Your bike might lose coolant in a variety of methods that aren’t as obvious as steam pouring from the radiator.

Brake fluid is essential for the safe running of your vehicle. As the pads deteriorate, the brake fluid level drops because the fluid has to push the pistons further out for efficient braking. In severe circumstances, or if there is a leak somewhere, the fluid level might drop so low that air bubbles in the system cause the brakes to become spongy.

So how much does topping up fluids cost?

The more pressing concern is how much it costs if you run out of a crucial fluid. Checking and filling up all of your bike’s fluids should cost less than 1000 rupees, even if you have to add a tiny bit of EVERYTHING.

Typically, you’ll discover that you’re less than 500ml short on oil, which will cost you 600 Rs. or so. Running short on oil causes greater wear and tear.

If you’re low on antifreeze/coolant a litre will probably cost 500 Rs. or less.

Brake fluid costs around 500 Rs. for a 500ml bottle, and you should always use new fluid that is less than a year old and keep it in a dry, sealed container.