A motorcycle is more than just a mode of transportation. It’s also your pride and joy. Good motorcycle service will let you enjoy thousands of worry-free miles riding from Showplace Square to San Mateo and beyond. Not only that, but preventative maintenance takes less time and money in the long run than the major repairs you’ll need sooner or later (usually sooner) if you put it off. Having worked on thousands of motorcycles over the years, the team at SF Moto has seen what can happen to poorly maintained bikes, and we don’t want you to experience the same fate.
The manual in every new motorcycle includes a maintenance schedule that you should follow. However, if you’ve misplaced the manual or are exploring buying a motorcycle for the first time, it’s good to know the general rules of motorcycle service intervals. We’ve put together this checklist for San Francisco area motorcycle maintenance so you know where to start.
Engine Oil
The oil helps keep your bike’s engine cool and lubricated. It can quickly wear out, though, especially in the hot, humid bay air. Manufacturer oil change recommendations vary greatly depending on the bike and riding conditions. For motorcycle riders in San Franciso, we recommend changing the oil every six months or 2,000 miles and changing the oil filter at the same time. You may need to change it as frequently as every 500 miles for high-performance riders and older bikes. You should also periodically check the oil level to see if it’s low. Before checking the oil, let the bike run for a few minutes to get up to operating temperature.
Tires and Wheels
If the tires and wheels are in poor shape, you won’t get the grip you need for cruising down Central Freeway or maneuvering Market Street. Once a week, check the air pressure in each tire and adjust it if necessary to get into the recommended range. Too low a pressure increases the risk of a blowout and hurts fuel mileage. Too high a pressure reduces traction.
When you’re changing the oil, inspect the tire tread depth. Most modern tires have a “wear bar” in the tread to let you know when they need to be replaced. Regardless of tread condition, the rubber compound will dry out after five or six years, so you’ll need to replace the tires regularly even if there’s still some tread life left. During scheduled service, you should also check the wheels for any cracks, damage, or rust spots.
Brakes
Working motorcycle brakes are one of your bike's most important safety items. Therefore, before every ride, you should test the brakes to see if they still grab properly, if there’s any excess play in the lever, and if there are any brake fluid leaks. During your routine service, inspect the brake pads, calipers, and master cylinders. In most conditions, brake pads will last around 20,000 miles, though aggressive track and trail riding will greatly shorten that lifespan. Like tires, brake pads often have a wear bar to indicate when you need to replace them.
Chain
If you have a chain-drive motorcycle, you also need to inspect the chain often, as it will loosen and dry out over time. A good rule of thumb is lubricating the chain and checking the tension every 500-600 miles or two or three gas fill-ups, whichever comes first. If the tension is a little loose, tighten it using a tensioner tool. Look for signs of chain wear, including kinks, rust, and being able to easily pull the chain off the rear sprocket. A worn chain should be replaced immediately, as well as the front and rear sprockets, which will likely have worn out at the same time.
Battery
Anyone who uses their motorcycle occasionally or seasonally should check the battery’s charge level regularly, once a month for a conventional battery and every three months for an AGM battery. Determine the charge level using a voltmeter and charge the battery if the levels are low. Conventional batteries should be between 12.4 and 12.6 volts, and AGM batteries between 12.5 and 12.8 volts. If you need to charge the battery more often, it’s time to replace it with a new one. This is especially true after a battery has lost its charge several times, showing that it can no longer maintain a full charge as it should. When inspecting the battery, also look for broken wires, corrosion on the terminals, dirt on the case, and other issues.
Fluids
Your motorcycle requires more than just gasoline and oil when it comes to fluids. Every modern bike has brake fluid, at least for the front brake(s) and usually the rear as well. Water-cooled bikes have coolant, like a car, although air-cooled bikes do not have this. Look for a radiator in front of the engine and behind the front wheel to determine which type you have. The front forks also contain oil, which could leak out of a failed seal, reduce your suspension’s effectiveness, and make a mess on the front of your bike. Some motorcycles may have hydraulic clutch fluid instead of a traditional cable. When changing the oil or taking the bike out of seasonal storage, check the levels of these fluids, top them off if necessary, and look for trouble signs such as debris and discoloration. These fluids should generally be changed every 24,000 miles or two years.
Air Filter
In addition to the oil filter, you need to replace the air filter regularly, as it is critical for keeping debris out of the engine while ensuring that it can breathe fresh air. Most road riders can get away with replacing the air filter every 10,000 miles or so. However, if you’re pushing the limits at Laguna Seca or taking your dirt bike to Bear Valley, you’ll need to change or clean it much more frequently, perhaps even after every ride. Watch for signs of a dirty air filter, such as worse fuel mileage, loss of power, overheating, and black exhaust gas.
Cables
Your bike has a lot of cables — throttle, brake, clutch, etc. — and they need to be in good shape for a good ride. The oil and grease that lubricate your cables will slowly dry up, leading to herky-jerky performance and even breakage. Inspect your cables twice a year or at the start of every riding season to see if they’re in good shape. If the cables are starting to look dry, they will need to be lubricated, which requires removing them from the motorcycle.
Fuel and Fuel Filter
The replacement rule on fuel filters is two years or 20,000 miles for road bikes. Again, more frequent replacements may be needed for track and dirt bike riders. When the filter gets clogged, systems include hard starting, frequent stalling, and sluggish acceleration. In extreme cases, a bad fuel filter can stop the motorcycle from running altogether.
When left for weeks or months, fuel can start breaking down, and the engine will no longer ignite properly. Adding a fuel stabilizer in the correct amount before putting the bike away will keep the fuel in good condition for up to six months. Seasonal riders will also need to check the fuel when they take the bike out of storage. If the bike doesn’t run right, you must drain and dispose of the fuel, and possibly clean the fuel injectors or carburetor(s).
Trusted Motorcycle Service at SF Moto
Caring for a motorcycle is part and parcel of owning one. Routine service and maintenance will greatly improve its performance and extend its life. We’ve seen well-maintained motorcycles last 10, 20, or 30 years and even longer in the right hands.
While many people like to do their own bike service, others may want professional assistance. The factory-trained technicians at our San Francisco-area motorcycle service center can work on everything, including cruisers, baggers, sport bikes, adventure bikes, and café racers. We specialize in Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Zero motorcycles, as well as scooters.
As a business that got its start restoring and servicing Vespa scooters, we know the value of quality maintenance and what it can do for your steed. That’s why we offer a variety of packages with same-day service. No appointment is needed for essential tasks such as oil changes, tire changes, and brake repairs. Contact us today for assistance getting your bike ready to hit the open road.
