DIY Tips for Servicing Your Motorcycle at Home
Whether you’ve recently purchased your dream motorcycle or have been riding one for years, you’ll want to maintain it in tip-top shape. Regular maintenance can help enhance your bike’s longevity, safety, and fuel efficiency and ensure you can continue riding it year after year. Thankfully, you won’t need to visit a service department to perform basic tune-ups—you can do this at your home or garage.
Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson® is your local bike dealer in Orwigsburg, PA, and we’ve gathered a few DIY tips to help you maintain your motorcycle. Read on to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team!
Brake Maintenance
You’ll want to start your motorcycle maintenance routine by inspecting your braking system. Check the brake fluid levels and top them off if they’re low. You’ll also want to examine the brake pads for wear and tear and replace them as necessary. If you notice any squeaking, grinding, or pulsating noises, get your bike checked out by a professional mechanic.
Oil Changes
Oil helps keep your motorcycle engine lubricated so it can continue functioning smoothly. You should check the oil regularly for impurities, color, and consistency. If the oil appears too sludgy or dark, replace it immediately. However, if you notice metallic shavings or powder in the oil, you’ll want to visit a service department instead. This can mean your components are grinding against each other and will need to be looked at by a professional. If you neglect this, it can create safety issues and costly repairs down the line.
Tires Servicing
Tires are crucial to your on-road safety, and you should avoid riding your bike on a bad tire.
Inspect your tires before each ride and adjust the air pressure to your manufacturer’s recommendation. You’ll also want to check the tread depth and change out any tire within 2/32-inch tread depth.
We hope you find these motorcycle maintenance tips handy. If you need more advice or help to tune up your bike before your next outing, contact Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson®. Our factory-trained technicians can assess the overall condition of your machine, perform routine checks, and replace a faulty part if needed. You’ll find us in Orwigsburg, PA, proudly serving those from Allentown!