Introduction to Indonesian Motorcycle Maintenance Concerns
Motorcycles are among the most popular modes of transportation in Indonesia because of their usefulness, fuel economy, and versatility on different types of roads.
Nonetheless, a lot of motorbike owners express dissatisfaction with the state of their cars, which sustain damage quite quickly, even in the short period following purchase.
This issue is frequently attributed to the product’s quality or the manufacturer, however in many instances, poor maintenance practices are the primary culprit.
Regularly changing the oil and washing the motorcycle are simply two aspects of motorcycle maintenance.
Maintaining other parts like the cooling system, brakes, chains, and tire pressure is still crucial, although many consumers are unaware of this.
Consequently, these minor, disregarded errors compound and hasten the motorcycle’s destruction.
In order to determine the different types of maintenance mistakes that motorcycle riders frequently make and how they affect the vehicle’s lifespan, this study was conducted.
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Typical Issues with Motorcycle Maintenance
According to research in the industry, motorcycle owners continue to engage in a variety of bad practices, either out of ignorance or a lack of appreciation for the significance of regular maintenance.
Some typical issues with motorcycle maintenance that can hasten deterioration and impair vehicle performance are as follows:
1. Late Oil Change
Oil serves as both a coolant and lubricant for engine parts.
Late oil changes cause the lubricant to thicken and get filthy, making it less effective in shielding the engine from excessive friction.
As a result, internal components are vulnerable to wear or even irreversible damage, motor performance declines, and engine temperature rises.
2. Inappropriate Fuel Use
According to technical criteria, each model of motorbike needs fuel with a specified octane level to run as efficiently as possible.
Using fuel that has a lower octane level than what the manufacturer recommends might cause a less-than-ideal combustion process, cause detonation symptoms (such as knocking), and impair engine efficiency.
This behavior not only affects motor power but also speeds up the accumulation of carbon in the combustion chamber.
3. Infrequently Cleaning Spark Plugs and Air Filters
Spark plugs and air filters are two examples of parts that are essential to the engine’s combustion process.
While a worn-out or dirty spark plug can impede fuel combustion, a dirty filter will obstruct airflow.
Consequently, the engine’s power seems heavy, more gasoline is used, and starting the engine is challenging, particularly in the morning.
4. Ignoring the Condition and Pressure of Tires
When a motorcycle is utilized, improper tire pressure either too high or too low can impair its stability.
In addition to making the motorcycle waste gasoline due to an increase in engine effort, improper tire pressure also accelerates tire surface deterioration.
These circumstances may raise the risk of traffic accidents in more severe cases.
5. Unreliable Service (Tune Up)
In addition to changing the oil, routine maintenance includes inspecting the motorcycle’s electrical systems, shocks, brakes, and chains.
Ignoring tune-ups can shorten the motorcycle’s lifespan, decrease driving comfort and safety, and cause minor damage to escalate into significant issues.
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Factors Associated with Neglecting Motorcycle Maintenance
Motorcycle maintenance neglect is not a random occurrence.
Motorcycle riders are encouraged to put off or even forego necessary maintenance for a variety of reasons.
These variables are multifaceted and include the motorcycle owner’s lifestyle, education, and economic factors.
1. Insufficient Technical Understanding
Many motorbike owners are unaware of the consequences of improperly maintained components and the significance of routine maintenance.
Because of their ignorance, many believe that a motorcycle does not require maintenance or inspection as long as it is still usable.
2. Time Limitations and Busy Schedules
Due to their hectic schedules, several motorcycle riders believe they do not have enough time to bring their bikes to the workshop. Maintenance is therefore put off until more significant damage happens.
3. Economic Aspects
Costs associated with maintenance or servicing are occasionally viewed as an extra hardship, particularly by lower middle-class motorcycle riders.
For financial reasons, many decide to put off maintenance, not understanding that more extensive damage will necessitate higher expenses.
4. Insufficient Training from Manufacturers or Dealers
Not every motorcycle seller or manufacturer actively educates customers about the need and routine of maintenance.
Customers consequently only pay attention to usage and lack a long-term understanding of appropriate maintenance.
5. The Idea that Brand-New Motorcycles Don’t Require Maintenance
Many motorcycle owners believe that during the first few months of ownership, new motorcycles don’t need maintenance.
To verify that there are no manufacturing flaws, reset the engine, and inspect the original parts, the initial service is actually crucial.
Practical Solutions to Improve Motorcycle Maintenance
After recognizing typical errors that motorbike owners make, it’s critical to offer workable and simple fixes.
The objective is to prolong the motorcycle’s life and reduce future repair expenses in addition to preserving peak performance.
The Following Actions and Ideas Can Be Implemented:
1. Self-control in Changing Oil Frequently
Frequent oil changes should be performed every 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use oil that meets the right criteria to prevent overheating and friction in the engine.
Using the vehicle service application or by hand, note the replacement schedule on a regular basis.
2. Fuel Utilization Based on Motor Specifications
Recognize what the motor requires in terms of fuel octane.
Use only high-quality gasoline if your motor is supposed to run on RON 90 or above.
It is possible to maximize combustion efficiency and preserve combustion chamber cleanliness by using fuel that is appropriate for the engine’s requirements.
3. Regularly Clean and Replace Spark Plugs and Air Filters
Every 4,000–6,000 kilometers, check the spark plugs and air filter.
To maintain optimum performance, these parts must be cleaned or replaced right away if filth or wear is discovered.
The engine’s power and fuel consumption are significantly impacted by these parts.
Although cleaning them doesn’t cost much, it significantly affects performance.
4. Check Tire Condition and Pressure on a Regular Basis
Always make sure the tire pressure is within the recommended range.
Examine the tire’s surface for any wear or sharp items.
In addition to promoting comfort while driving, good tire health also helps to maintain road safety and improve fuel efficiency.
5. Do Regular Maintenance (Tune Up)
At least once every three months, or after a specific amount of kilometers, take your motorcycle to a reputable or approved repair. Frequent maintenance keeps all components operating at their best while assisting in the early detection of small problems.
6. Awareness and Education for Motorbike Owners
Owners of motorcycles need to be more conscious of the fact that maintenance is an investment that takes time and effort.
Digital service reminders, safety campaigns, and education are more ways that the government and motorbike manufacturers can actively participate.
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The Importance of Routine Maintenance for Safety and Longevity
For Indonesian society to be mobile, motorcycles are an essential daily mode of transportation.
Still, a lot of users are unaware of how crucial it is to provide their cars frequent, appropriate maintenance.
Motorcycles frequently break down quickly due to common mistakes like using the wrong gasoline, late oil changes, and neglecting the quality of tires and other parts.
Numerous damages that could have been avoided can be reduced by implementing regular servicing practices and improving knowledge of motorcycle maintenance.
In addition to preserving peak vehicle performance, proper maintenance increases motorbike longevity and enhances rider safety.
Therefore, to do maintenance correctly and consistently, every car owner needs to have a high degree of awareness and discipline.
In this manner, a motorbike can serve as a reliable, safe, and comfortable mode of transportation that can be used on a daily basis.
Penulis: Badr Amry
Mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka
Aktif juga di IMM (Ikatan Mahasiswa Muhammadiyah)
Supervisor: Dr. Muhammad Iman Sastra Mihajat Ph.D
Editor: Anita Said
Bahasa: Rahmat Al Kafi
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