What type of maintenance do motorcycles require?

Question

I just did my fist oil change on my motorcycle. What else can I do, or require me to do. Also do I have to take my motorcycle in to a bike shop to do a check up once a year? Do i have to change the air filter like my car?

Answer 1

is this a new bike or used?

if it's new, then the dealer has a schedule that you can follow. it's also listed in the owners manual.

if you bought it used, then you can do these things (when needed)

oil and filter

plugs

air filter

check the tires for good tread/no cracks/nails

check the air pressure in the tires

as the bike gets older:

bearing grease (fork head, wheels)

chain tension and chain lube

clutch wear

cables/hoses for cracks or cuts

there is a whole bunch of stuff to do, some you can do, other stuff the dealer should do. but the basics you can do. I would suggest going to your local dealer and ordering a manual for the bike you have and maybe asking the dealer to check it out (if used)

good luck and have fun (take a safety class if you are just learning how to ride)

Answer 2

Go get a Haynes manual for your bike, it will tell you what needs checking and when.You can save a ton of money doing simple service yourself.Oil and filters,checking spokes if you have them,checking brake pads,lubing cables and chains,checking fluid levels in your battery and engine,tranny,etc. Some things should be checked on a regular basis.Everytime you ride you should look over your tires for problems like nails and cracks in the sidewalls.Do a walk around your bike and just check for anything that doesn't look right or something loose.Turn your key on and check all your lights(turn signals too).I don't know about going in every year for dealer service but maybe for certain mileage levels it wouldn't hurt.

Answer 3

Get the maintenance manual for your particular bike.  Motorcycles are very dangerous.  I'd say have to say make sure tires are good shape and your brakes work properly.  I know a lot of people who went down because their tires were too worn.  "Your tires didn't just wear out, they wore out a long time ago."

You never have to take a bike in for an inspection if you know what to look for.  Buy I am guessing if you are asking you don't know what to look for.  Best leave something like that to the professionals, or buy a motorcycle maintenance book and teach yourself.

Yes you have to change air filter like in a car.  Biggest thing different from a car is you have to lube your chain.  Make sure to use chain clean and lube, not WD40!

Answer 4

Oil change

cam chain adjust

Valve adjust

Change spark plugs

Air filter

Change tires

(re-)balance tires

Lubricate chain, cables

Clean the drive chain.

Add water to battery

Air up tires

inspect and repair tires

replace battery

Change front fork oil

New brake shoes and pads

Grease chassis

adjust chain

add brake fluid

Change brake fluid

Balancer chain adjustment

inspect rims/tighten spokes

Answer 5

read the manual, it will explain the reccomended intervals and when to replace filters ect