Biker Day: NGK highlights three critical components for motorcycle maintenance

Spark plugs, Suppressive terminals and injection components are among the parts and systems that most deserve attention at the time of maintenance

São Paulo, July 2024- Professional motorcyclists offer personal transportation services and deliveries daily, traveling long distances or short distances. In this context, The motorcycle is an essential tool, and its proper maintenance is crucial. Mechanical failures that immobilize the motorcycle represent a loss of income for the motorcyclist. That is why, Niterra, Japanese multinational owner of the NGK brand and specialist in components for ignition systems, highlights the three components most susceptible to problems due to heavy motorcycle use and how to prevent them.

1- Spark plugs: Must be inspected and replaced according to the maintenance plan, with reduced mileage in case of severe use. Excessive wear of the spark plugs not only increases fuel consumption, but it also makes it difficult to start and can damage other components, starting difficulties and irregular idling already indicate a marked wear of the spark plug, resulting in higher repair costs.

2- Suppressive terminals: It is recommended to change every three years to avoid failures in wet conditions. Dry terminals with damaged sealing rubbers often cause problems with moisture, common on rainy days.

3- Injection/Carburizing Components: Problems caused by fuel aging should be avoided. Both professional motorcyclists and those who use the motorcycle sporadically need to be aware of these problems, because the lack of use can also be considered a severe use due to the aging of the fuel, that negatively affects the motorcycle's carburetion or injection system.

Special care with severe use

Both professional motorcyclists and casual motorcyclists need to pay attention to components that require specific care, one for the intense use of the motorcycle and the other for the lack of use. Lack of use is also considered severe use, Beyond the Fuel Aging Factor, which generates many problems to the motorcycle's carburetion or injection system.

"Signs of engine problems include abnormal noises, Erratic performance, excessive smoke and intense vibrations", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant. "Any change in engine noises should be investigated, as it may indicate a problem. The irregular performance, as difficulty in acceleration, Lack of performance or maintaining constant speed on highways, are other warning signs. The presence of excessive smoke can indicate serious internal problems in the engine, such as internal wear and tear. Finally, Intense vibrations or increased engine noise may indicate wear or damage to components."

NGK offers a wide range of spark plugs for motorcycles and scooters of all displacements. Iridium IX candles are recommended for their ability to improve starting, acceleration and fuel economy, as well as extending the life of ignition components.