How Often Should I Service My Motorcycle?

Every machine requires maintenance and upkeep to ensure long life and user safety, and motorcycles are no exception to this rule. Motorcycles are high-performance machines, and maintenance is incredibly important because these machines carry the most important cargo––you. Because of that, it's crucial to understand how often routine maintenance on your new or used bike should be performed.

Generally speaking, a motorcycle's service intervals will vary based on the make, model, and usage. Factors such as the climate, the frequency of use, and how hard you push your ride can move up the maintenance dates. Despite these variables, there are a few standards you can use to make sure that you get the maximum life and performance out of your motorcycle.

At least once a week, you should perform a quick inspection of your motorcycle to look for tire wear, check the tire pressure, inspect and lubricate the chain, and look for wear on the brake discs and pads. Additionally, you should check the engine oil level via the dipstick or oil window. Furthermore, you should verify that your headlamp, turn indicators, and brake light are working correctly.

Outside of these regular visual inspections, your motorcycle also requires maintenance at standard intervals. These intervals are indicated in the owner's manual, and the listed service should be performed to protect you and your bike from harm.

First Maintenance for New Motorcycles

The initial maintenance for your new ride is the most important. This service should be performed by an authorized service technician, generally after the first 500 to 1000 miles, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

This first service is more than just an oil change. It's a thorough inspection of your motorcycle from top to bottom to ensure there are no leaks, no loose or broken seals, the chain tension is correct, and the brake system is working correctly. The technician will also look for any signs of abnormal wear that may indicate a need for immediate adjustment.

Additionally, it is necessary to replace the break-in oil that your bike ships with. Break-in oil is specially formulated for protection and facilitates the seating of new engine parts during the break-in period. After this point, it is necessary to replace that oil with the manufacturer-recommended oil for your motorcycle.

Chain Maintenance: The Right Place for Tension

Most motorcycles and scooters utilize a drive chain or belt to allow the engine to rotate the rear wheel. Some cruisers are driven by a belt that should be inspected regularly after the initial service but otherwise requires little maintenance. Belts do not require lubrication, but it is necessary to ensure proper tension and condition of the belt as well as replace the belt when the condition requires.

On the other hand, the majority of modern bikes use a chain drive that must be cleaned and lubricated every 500 miles or so. In addition, the chain should be cleaned and lubricated after riding in the rain or after washing your bike. Chain tension should also be checked regularly. If your chain is getting loose, then it needs to be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. If you aren't confident handling chain tension on your own, our service center can take care of it for you. A poorly maintained chain can break and cause damage to the bike, as well as injury to the rider!

Of course, maintenance must be performed more frequently for either type of drive when ridden in extreme temperatures, dusty environments, wet weather, or on rough or steep roads. It is also recommended that the chain or belt be inspected and maintained after long periods of storage or frequent use for short trips. Dirt and grime can build up in the pulleys or sprockets on poorly maintained belts and chains. This can harm your motorcycle and reduce the lifespan of its parts. Inspecting and lubricating the chain or belt also provides a chance to inspect key components such as sprockets, sprocket nuts, tensioners, and wheel nuts.

Oil Changes: Healthy Oil Makes Healthy Bikes

If the engine is the heart of your motorcycle, then the oil is the blood that keeps that heart beating. Unlike our bodies, however, engines don't have a method to clean their oil on their own. That's why it falls on the owner to make sure that oil is changed regularly to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent damage. However, using the wrong oil and oil filter or changing the oil on the wrong schedule can do more harm than good.

Most modern motorcycles require an oil change every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or once a year. However, some bikes may need more frequent service due to grueling operation. Always refer to your owner's manual to determine how often oil changes are required, as well as the correct type of oil to use in your bike. SF Moto's experienced service team knows exactly which motor oil and oil filter your ride's engine requires and the appropriate oil change interval to use, so contact us if you have any questions.

Tire Repair and Replacement: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Few parts of a motorcycle get as much wear and tear as the tires. Roads are unpredictable, and good tires can make all the difference between a fun ride on the highway and spending an afternoon waiting for a tow truck or trailer to get your motorcycle home.

As mentioned before, you should perform a visual inspection of your tires once a week and before any long ride. Check the surface of the tires for bulges, bubbles, excessive wear, and punctures. It is also necessary to ensure that the tires are properly inflated before you leave the garage.

Poorly inflated tires can result in uneven wear as well as reduced traction and handling. Nobody wants to drop their ride on the road or get into a costly collision. The correct tire pressure is listed in your owner's manual but may need to be adjusted for rough roads, variable weather, or altitude.

You will find tread wear indicators at regular spaces around the circumference of the tire. If the indicator is flush with the surface of the tire, your tread is too low, and it's time for new tires. Tires also age depending on their use and the environment. This aging can result in visible signs such as deformations and cracks in the tread, on the shoulders, and sides.

If your tires are showing signs of age, wear, or damage, it is important to get them replaced as soon as possible. Unlike a four-wheeled vehicle, motorcycles rapidly lose balance if their tires deflate or burst, and this can result in both damage to your ride and injury to your body.

If you are not certain whether your tires need to be replaced, bring your bike to SF Moto so our technicians can inspect them for you and replace them if necessary. In addition to replacing the tire, the wheel must be rebalanced before you resume riding, which is a job that's best handled by a professional with the correct tools.

Valve Service

Your bike’s engine has two kinds of valves: intake and exhaust. The intake valve lets in the air-fuel mixture for the cylinders to use. The exhaust valve allows the gas the cylinders produce to exit the engine. Incorrect valve clearance can cause your motorcycle to run poorly, idle roughly, or lose power. It can also damage the engine, resulting in costly repairs. Because of this, getting regular valve service is essential to keeping your bike and running safely.

During a valve service, our technicians check the clearance of the tiny gap that opens and closes during the rotation of the camshaft. Because this gap is temperature-dependent, this service should always be done on a cold bike. The best bet for when to service your valves is to follow the schedule in the owner’s manual. However, if you hear a ticking noise, notice loss of power, ignition difficulties, a sharp rise in fuel consumption, or smoke, then it’s time to take a look. The proper intervals for valve maintenance vary widely between bikes, so it's important to consult your owner's manual or our experienced technicians.

Motorcycle Maintenance Is Our Mission

We understand that many motorcycle owners are gearheads who would like to keep costs low and do much of the work themselves. However, the service team here at SF Moto has the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and knowledge to make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained so you don't have to get your hands (or your garage) dirty! Whether you want us to handle everything for you or only come visit us when it's time for a bigger job you are not equipped to handle yourself, our team is always ready to keep your bike running like a well-oiled machine. Plus, we provide a lifetime labor discount on all services if you bought your bike from us! Reach out today to schedule an appointment with us, and we will get you back in the saddle in no time at all!