Frequently asked
Answers before the spanners come out
The questions new owners ask most, answered plainly. Where the honest answer is "check your manual" or "ask a technician", we say so.
Identification
- Can I identify a part just from a photo?
- Only roughly. Photos help you recognise the family of a part, but exact fitment depends on make, model, year and frame number (VIN), so confirm with the parts catalogue or a dealer.
- Which parts should a new owner learn first?
- Tyres, brakes, the final drive and the lights, because they are checked before every ride. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's T-CLOCS checklist is a well-known way to structure that routine.
- How can I tell if my motorcycle is liquid-cooled?
- Look for a radiator behind the front wheel, coolant hoses and an expansion tank. Deep fins on the cylinders without a radiator indicate air cooling. See the cooling guide.
- What do chain sizes like 520 or 525 mean?
- The 5 indicates a 5/8-inch pitch; the following digits relate to roller width. Use the size your manual specifies. Read the drive guide.
Fluids and systems
- Can I mix different brake fluids?
- Never mix silicone DOT 5 with glycol-based DOT 3, 4 or 5.1. Use the fluid printed on the reservoir cap or in the manual.
- Where is the main fuse on a motorcycle?
- Usually near the battery or built into the starter relay under the seat. The owner's manual shows the exact location and rating.
- Why does my fuel pump hum when I turn the key?
- On fuel-injected bikes, the pump briefly primes the system to pressure. A short hum is normal; silence plus a no-start is worth reporting to a technician.
Limits and service information
- Is it safe to service my own brakes?
- Only with training, correct tools, torque values and the service manual. Otherwise use a qualified technician.
- Where can I find model-specific service information?
- From the manufacturer's official service manual, your dealer, or established workshop manuals such as Haynes or Clymer for your model.
- Do you offer repair advice for my specific bike?
- No. We explain how components work. For diagnosis or repair, consult a qualified technician. You can still suggest a topic for a future guide.