Motorcycle Ownership: Basic Maintenance Tips from a Mechanic

If you are just getting into the world of riding, brushing up on beginner motorcycle maintenance tips is the best thing you can do—both for yourself and your bike. Even if you are not a motor fan, think of these basic maintenance tips from Harley Davidson services experts as the ultimate “me time” activity and therapy.

That said, basic bike maintenance is a critical component of becoming a rider. It takes more than teaching yourself how to change the oil or servicing the bike well, which is why you need these few mechanic tips.

What you need

To make motorcycle maintenance more efficient, here is a checklist to get you started:

  • The manufacturer manual—Everybody, from new motorcycle owners to expert service Harley Davidson mechanics, should get their hands on the manual! These documents contain critical step-by-step instructions and guidelines that are especially useful for the new rider. While bikes share several parts, such as batteries, the way you service each component depends on the manufacturer’s guidelines. So, always read through the pages before you pick up that Allen key and let all hell break loose!
  • A rear stand—If you haven’t already, now is the time to purchase a rear stand. To safely work on your ride, you want it grounded and off the ground using a rear stand. This piece of equipment is critical when you have to work on repairing or replacing your bike’s drive chain or tires.
  • The right motorcycle oil—To own a bike, changing the motorcycle oil is a rite of passage. It is pretty much the first thing just about every DIY mechanic learns to do. Qualified Harley Davidson services mechanics can teach you how to change the oil and choose the right type of oil for your bike.
  • Have a wrench set—Disassembling your entire bike using a few Allen keys and a wrench set is scary—now that you come to think about it. Which takes you to the next critical item in the checklist.
  • A camera phone—Use the camera to record the maintenance process, especially if you decide to take the bike apart. Take a few pictures of the bike before disassembly and each time you complete a step in the manual. Tracking progress makes it easy to put it back together.

What to inspect regularly

Now that you have all your supplies and space, make inspecting your bike a regular task. Service Harley Davidson experts recommend you check on:

  • Oil
  • Tires
  • Brakes
  • Bearings
  • Drive chain
  • Lights
  • Battery and electronics

Keep up with service schedules

Depending on your frequency of rides, it is pertinent that you take your bike to the experts for regular service Harley Davidson intervals. This way, you can reduce out-of-pocket costs to repair problems that would otherwise have been dealt with at the shop.

Ask for assistance

If this is the first time you are working on your bike, it is advisable to consult Harley Davidson services professionals. As enthusiasts, the mechanics at Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson provide you with affordable service checks, repair services, and a library-worth of motorcycle knowledge.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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