Making Your 2020 Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Maintenance Plan
With the new year starting up, it’s time to start making some resolutions. One of yours might be to spend more time with your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle! More time with the bike is about more than just extra hours riding. It’s also about the other responsibilities that come with ownership, like maintenance. Even if you’ve never been much of a hands-on person, we can assure you that once you start tinkering around, you’ll start to realize why so many riders love to get their hands dirty.
If you’re new to this kind of thing, or if your maintenance plan needs some updating, then check out the guide we here at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville have provided below. You can also stop by our location in Chicago, Illinois, right across from Wrigley Field, to ask our experienced staff any questions you might still have, or to check out the Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale right now.
Review Your Manual
First things first, before performing any maintenance tasks, you’ll want to review your owner’s manual. We can give you lots of broad tips that should apply to most bikes, but the only place you’re going to find specific information on your model is in the manual. If you don’t have your manual, or can’t find it, visit the H-D website for a downloadable copy.
Brakes
Brakes will need to have brake pads and fluid changed periodically. When checking fluid reservoirs, look for a line that indicates when fluid levels are dropping below optimal levels. If you’re burning through brake fluid too quickly, bring the bike in for a check, as there’s probably a bigger problem.
Pads should be evenly worn, smooth, and still have plenty of material left. If any of these conditions aren’t met, then they need to be replaced. For unusual, recurring issues, you might need to see a professional technician for a more thorough check.
Tires
Your tires are the foundation of your motorcycle. That means they’ll need to be high on the maintenance checklist. Start by checking the tire pressure level using a tire gauge. The appropriate psi range should be listed in your Harley-Davidson® manual. Keep in mind that during the cold months, pressure levels drop, so you might need to touch them up soon.
While you’re down there, check the tread. Any signs of damage or excessive wear are an indication that you’ll need to think about getting them replaced. Make sure you’re doing these checks while the bike is still cold.
Oil
Just like your commuter vehicle, motorcycles need their oil and oil filter changed fairly regularly. Check the fluid levels before your ride and top off as needed. If you notice the oil is dark and sludgy, it’s time to change it. If you notice metal shavings in the oil, book an appointment with a professional technician. This is a sign that there are parts grinding together that shouldn’t be and that a bigger repair is needed.
Your Servicing Schedule
No matter what you can do yourself in your garage, regular servicing is a must. The professionals can help with tasks you might not have the knowledge or tools to address on your own, and they’ll perform a full diagnostic to alert you to any problems that you might not realize are brewing.
You’ll want to get your bike serviced once every 4,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. You can try to choose a time when you won’t be bogged down by other expenses. For example, the holidays are usually a financially stressful time, and throwing in maintenance fees with everything else might not be the best way to go.
Speaking of which, if you don’t yet have a trusted service department you can turn to for regular checkups or emergency repairs, then contact us here at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville. We set you up with one of our professional technicians so you can get back on the road in no time. You might even be able to drop off your bike and then catch a game at Wrigley Field across from our motorcycle dealership!