6 Harley-Davidson Maintenance Essentials: How to Care for Your Motorcycle

Six Harley-Davidson Maintenance Essentials

1. Pre-Ride Inspection

Simply taking a walk around your bike before you take it for a ride can go a long way toward protecting your bike and keeping you safe, too. Take a few minutes to make sure your bike is roadworthy.

To help you make sure all your bases are covered, we have an acronym we’re fond of: T-CLOCS™. Short for Tires, Wheels & Brakes; Controls; Lights; Oil & Fluids; Chassis; and Side Stand, it’s a tool to help you remember a simple but thorough pre-ride inspection plan created by the internationally recognized Motorcycle Safety Foundation. These are also the same steps that Harley-Davidson Service Consultants follow when a bike comes in for a service visit.

Remembering this acronym can guide you through your walk-around inspection. Here’s what you should look for as you check out your bike:
 

T = Tires, Wheels & Brakes

First, make sure your motorcycle tires are properly inflated. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for load ratings and inflation info, then use a tire gauge to check the numbers. Improperly maintained tires not only increase tire wear but can create unsafe conditions for riding. Also, check the tires’ tread depth, and inspect them for signs of wear, bulging, or embedded objects.

Take a good look at the wheels: check for cracks in cast wheels or bent spokes. Make sure the rims retain their shape.

Finally, apply each of the brakes, one at a time, to make sure they’re functioning properly.
 

C = Controls

Take a look at your controls: Check all of the levers and pedals for damaged parts or loose mounts. Make sure that the cables are in good condition, and check that the throttle is able to move freely.
 

L = Lights & Electric

Look over your lighting equipment. Take a good look at the headlamp’s high- and low-beam operation. Check the taillight to make sure it functions properly with your brakes. Test your turn signals and check the mirrors. Lastly, make sure the wiring doesn’t interfere with steering and that none of it is frayed or pinched.
 

O = Oil & Fluids

Check the bike’s fluid levels and make certain there are no leaks.
 

C = Chassis

For the chassis, check the frame for cracks, inspect all of your accessory mounts, check handlebar movement for full travel, and check the bike’s chain or belt for full tension. You should also check the suspension and adjust it for passenger load. Your Owner’s Manual will list the appropriate suspension settings.
 

S = Side Stand

This is a quick one: Simply check the tension spring on the jiffy stand to make sure it will stay up when riding.
 

Initially, this may seem like a long list, but soon you’ll find that keeping track of these items will become second nature, like a pilot doing a preflight inspection.

2. Motorcycle Oil

Oil is one of the most important products ever added to a motorcycle.

Controlling the quality of what is put into the engine is about as basic, and as important, as it gets for motorcycle maintenance. That’s why Harley-Davidson develops its own oil and lubricants, and it’s why we keep improving them.

Aside from ensuring that your bike only runs with the highest-quality inside, performing oil changes at regular intervals is essential to boosting the performance of your bike and preventing engine issues.

Motorcycle oil change kits provide you with everything you need to perform an engine oil and filter change. We recommend changing your oil and filter at the first 1,000-mile service interval, and then at every 5,000-mile interval after that. Of course, if you ride especially hard, under dusty conditions, or in cold weather, your oil and filter should be changed more frequently. Lastly, you should always change your oil and filter prior to any winter storage—or any other periods of extended storage.

Want to learn more about the importance and contents of motorcycle oil? Check out our complete guide to motorcycle oil. 

3. Batteries & Tenders

Batteries may not be glamorous, but they are a critical component of any motorcycle. In fact, they’re arguably the most used and often least serviced piece of equipment on a bike.

The theory you sometimes hear that all batteries are the same couldn’t be further from the truth. At Harley-Davidson, our batteries are designed and built specifically to meet the Motor Company’s exacting performance requirements and they’re created to function as an integral component of our electrical systems.

But ensuring longevity and optimal performance comes down to more than choosing the best battery for your bike. Use these tips to maintain your battery:

• Maintain your battery’s charge: Make sure the battery is charged to its full capacity. You can help maintain that charge by riding your bike regularly and installing a battery tender can extend its life for years. Simply plugging a tender in between rides and when the bike is in storage keeps the battery charged and ready to go. Harley-Davidson tenders are designed to the correct battery charging algorithm and will not overcharge the battery.
• Check the terminals and inspect regularly: Regularly check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or damage. Use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner to remove any buildup. You should also check the battery for any signs of damage, leaks, or cracks. If you notice any issues, consider having it inspected by a professional.
• Keep it clean: Keep your battery clean and dry to avoid moisture or dirt buildup. Wipe the battery with a clean, dry cloth.

Meanwhile, if you do need to work with your battery, don’t forget to exercise caution. Always wear eye protection. Keep any sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from batteries at all times. And never store a battery in a sealed container—it’s important to always allow for proper ventilation.