Following a maintenance schedule will help save you both headaches and money later on down the road.
Properly Maintained
Like any machine, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle requires some maintenance to keep it running in tip top condition. This is true whether you ride it all the time or just on sunny weekends, of course. However, maintenance schedules do vary based on riding habits, driving style, and how little or how much you ride. Regardless, proper maintenance will help you avoid big repair bills later on down the road, so it's well worth taking the time to do it right.
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Tires
The first thing you'll want to do is pay attention to your owner's manual in terms of what it recommends for service intervals. But there's much more to maintaining a bike than that. That includes little things like checking your tires at least once a week. Maintaining the proper air pressure is key for both wear and grip, as well as braking performance, and worn or damaged tires can be downright dangerous.
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Oil and Filters
Generally, changing engine oil at the recommended intervals is the biggest thing you can do to keep your Harley running right, as is the case with most vehicles. It's also important to check your oil level frequently, as bikes will use more oil in the summer and less in the winter. And in addition to shortening an engine's lifespan, old oil can also make them less fuel-efficient. The same applies to air filters, which should be changed more frequently if you ride in dusty areas.
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Clutch
A motorcycle's clutch can make or break the way it rides, but thankfully, it can also be adjusted before it becomes worn down or problematic. Over time, the clutch cable will loosen, so it's worth taking the time to adjust it as well. You'll also want to ensure the cable stays properly lubricated for optimal performance. If you have a wet clutch, it's worth talking to a Harley mechanic to ensure you're using the right lubricating oil as well.
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Brakes
Brakes are obviously an important component on any vehicle, and something you'll want to be operating perfectly all the time. Harley recommends checking your brake pads every 6,000 miles, but if you ride in stop and go traffic or down hills a lot, we'd recommend checking them more frequently. Other important components of the braking system that need a regular once over include the brake fluid and rotors.
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Battery
A battery should last around two to four years, but it requires proper maintenance to go the distance. Harley recommends checking the battery every year, but you'll want to keep an eye out for leaks on a regular basis. When a bike isn't in use for a while, you'll want to keep it on a tender to keep it charged. And if you live in an area with a harsh winter, storing the battery in a warm place can keep it from freezing and cracking.
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Clean It
Most Harley owners keep their bikes spotless for obvious reasons - they just look good that way. But frequent cleaning is also an important part of proper maintenance, as it's much harder to get it clean if you neglect it for long periods of time, and it makes it easier to spot worn or broken parts. Plus, the fact that you'll draw much more attention with a clean bike is also an added bonus.
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For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
