A well maintained, regularly serviced bike is simply nicer to ride. Everything works as it should, every control feels right. Plus, when you come to sell, a well maintained bike will be sought after and command a better price.
What you’ll read here won’t turn you into a Moto GP mechanic. But it will help you keep your bike running well and hopefully stop mechanical maladies when you’re out on a ride.
Waving your credit card at your local mechanic is all very well. But even if you don’t want to service your bike yourself, a motorcycle needs regular care and attention. These routine tasks also help you spot problems developing, before they turn into something more serious.
A final drive chain needs lubing every 300kms or so. If you’re going to keep riding, spray only the inside of its run on both sides of the rear sprocket. Rotate the rear wheel to expose all the chain.
Clean all accumulated oil and crud off the chain surface monthly. Try not use petrol or other solvents - a specialised chain cleaner is best. When dry, spray chain lube between every plate and roller. Allow to stand overnight before riding and be wary of oil on the tyre for the first 50km.
Check the entire tread of both tyres before every ride for anything likely to cause a puncture. Check cold tyre pressures weekly, and look for missing balance weights on the rim. Replace tyres when they start to square off or if tread depth anywhere is less than 3mm.
Modern disc brakes require little attention between services. But you still need to check pad wear and fluid levels. Check pads every 1,000 kms and replace if less than 5mm. Check hoses at the same time.
Check fluid reservoirs every day and top up if levels are close to minimum. Use only brand new fluid (usually DOT3 or DOT4; do not mix with DOT5).
Occasionally practice an emergency stop. It helps prevent pads and discs from glazing.
Check all cables monthly over their entire length, for fraying or splits. If action is sticky or rough, they may need lubricating.
Keep your bike clean and check suspension linkages monthly for creaking or stiffness, which may be a bush or bearing seizure. Check sidestand flicks up and stays up. Give a tiny spray of chain lube to rear suspension bottom links and sidestand pivot.
Check oil and coolant levels every day.
