Keeping Your Harley in Top Condition: Essential Maintenance Guide

As a Harley Davidson owner, you know how important it is to keep all of your hog's moving parts in tip-top shape. Not only does regular maintenance preserve the lifespan of your ride, but more importantly, it helps keep you safe on the road. By taking responsibility for maintenance tasks on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you also protect other road users, a critical aspect of the hog code.

Motorcycle Maintenance

To keep your hog performing at optimum levels, you need to take it to the dealership at regular service intervals, as indicated in the owner's manual. Between these dates, you need to keep an eye on vital maintenance tasks to ensure your ride is as safe as possible.

Pre-Ride Inspections

These inspections should include everything from keeping coolant and other fluid levels at the right limits. Look for signs of wear on hoses, leakages, and optimum functionality regarding the handlebars, jiffy stand, and fasteners.

Oil Changes and Air Filter Checks

Your Harley Davidson needs a lot of TLC to run smoothly. Part of keeping up its optimal performance is checking the engine oil levels. Change the oil and air filters every 8,000 to 12,000 km for a clean, smooth ride. Always check the manual because these changes also depend on ride conditions.

Chain or Drive Belt Maintenance

For every 450 to 950 km you ride, check your Harley Davidson chain and sprockets. Ideally, you should lubricate the chain with a good quality product and check the tension. If your motorcycle has a drive belt, check regularly for wear and tear and replace it when necessary.

Tire Pressure and Tread

If your Harley Davidson tires are in bad shape, you are placing your life at risk. Ensure that the tire pressure and tread depth are safe for road use and get a tire pressure gauge if necessary. Legally, the minimum tread depth should be 1.5 mm or 1/16 inch. Examine the spokes as well for safety's sake.

Brake System

Replace your brake pads before they wear down to about 3mm or 1/8 inch for obvious safety reasons. If you have any doubts about when to replace brake pads when worn or warped, speak to your local Harley Davidson service department for advice or to book your ride in for resurfacing or replacement. Also, check brake fluid levels and brake lines for buildup to keep your motorcycle in good condition.

Battery Maintenance

Take the time to regularly check the battery for any signs of wear. These include possible swelling, leaks, and corrosion on battery terminals. Typically, you should replace the battery every three to five years, but this will depend on how much riding you do.

Redline Harley Davidson

Always take your Harley Davidson in for a deep service at 16,000 km or 10,000 miles to maintain your ride in top condition. Order your parts through us for regular maintenance, explore our site for other products, or contact us for anything else you need. We are always ready to help motorcycle owners improve their journey.