You love your bike, and regular maintenance is one way of showing it. If you want to keep your bike in prime condition, motorcycle lawyers suggest following a regular schedule of checks, changes, and repairs. To stay road-ready and avoid unnecessary damage, just follow the reminders below.
When You Refuel
Check your tires every 250 miles or whenever you refuel your bike. Keep a tire pressure gauge handy to check the air in your tires. Examine the tread. If you notice any cracks, punctures, uneven wear, or bulges, it is time to buy new tires.
Lubricate your bike chain. Using a chain spray, generously coat the side of the chain that comes into contact with the sprockets. Be sure to cover both sides of the chain.
Every Three to Six Months
Test the battery and make sure that it is fully charged. Next, check the connections and the fluid levels in each chamber. If they are low, top them off with distilled or deionized water. Remember: do not use tap water when filling a battery chamber. The minerals in tap water can damage the battery.
Check the oil and oil filter. Your oil should reach the "High" or "Max" mark. When you check your oil, make sure that your bike is level and in a centered position.
Annually
Inspect the thickness of your brake pads at least once per year. Your brake pads should have grooves in the middle. If the grooves are very shallow, or if your brake pads look flat, it is time for new pads. However, if the grooves are a few millimeters deep, they do not need to be replaced.
Change your brake fluid. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, so only use a new, unopened bottle.
Check the fuel filter. If it has accumulated dirt and debris, change it.
Inspect the fuel lines and electrical cables. Replace any line or cable that has corrosion, rust, cracks, or other damage.
It's easy to forget or put off regular maintenance, so work to make these checks part of your normal riding habits. Use this schedule when you do a wash and wax, or when you store your bike for the season. These steps can help ensure that you and your bike will have many safe, exciting trips in the future.
