Maintaining your Used Motorcycle

There are a lot of benefits to getting a used motorcycle, not the least of which is the better price. Used motorcycles can shave off a significant chunk of what the original owner had to pay, even if it’s still fairly new. But it’s no secret that one of the drawbacks of getting a used model for any kind of vehicle is the impending maintenance. The parts are no longer factory fresh and general wear and tear will be at your door sooner rather than later. While this isn’t necessarily avoidable, there is a way to avoid small problems from growing out of control.

Regular maintenance, both at home and with a professional, can go a long way in keeping your used bike healthy and prevent breakdowns on the side of the road.

We’ve provided a list of checks you can make on your own, but when it’s time to see a professional, stop by Texarkana Harley-Davidson in Texarkana, Texas. We welcome all riders from Omaha, Texas and Camden, Arkansas.

Chains and Belts

All the power that your engine generates needs a way to get to the rest of the motorcycle. There are generally two ways to do this: either the engine is connected to the tires using a system of chains or a system of belts. If your bike is chain-driven, then you’ll want to make sure the chains are well lubricated. Belt-driven machines will need to be inspected for frays and tears. Also make sure these systems aren’t too loose or too tight that it makes riding difficult.

Brakes

Your brakes are some of your most important parts of your bike. When they go, you’re in for trouble. Make sure your brake fluid is topped off as needed, checking both the front and back wheel reservoir. You’ll also want to inspect your brake pads. You’ll want to avoid wearing them too thin before getting them replaced. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for how your brake pads are wearing down, as uneven wearing can indicate there are other issues with the bike.

Tires

With only two tires to work with, you’ll want to make sure they’re one of your top priorities, even before every ride. Check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Your owner’s manual will have the details on your specific model, but Harley-Davidson motorcycles generally fall around 36 psi. While you’re down there, inspect the treads for any damage or excessive wearing. Never ride on tires that are compromised by obtrusions or because their balding.

Fuel

Keeping the moving parts of your fueling system clean can vary from rider to rider. For those who ride fairly frequently, all you’ll want to do is make sure you replace your fuel filter as needed, because when it’s clogged it’ll drain power, fast. However, if you only take your motorcycle out every once in a while, consider switching to a higher octane fuel, as it won’t corrode as quickly.

Battery

Now we’re getting into an area that won’t need to be checked before every ride, but can become a real problem really quickly. If your bike doesn’t start--and you hear that dreaded clicking noise--the first place you should check is your battery. Odds are, it needs to be recharged, but it also might need to be replaced altogether. Start by recharging it. If it drains fairly quickly again, consider getting your alternator inspected, as that may be the real issue. If you notice corrosion on the posts, you can use a solution of baking soda and water to clean it, however, corrosion coupled with an old battery might indicate replacement is in your future.

Hopefully this gets you started, but there are other ways to keep your motorcycle running smoothly. Consider stopping by Texarkana Harley-Davidson in Texarkana, Texas and talking to some of your fellow Harley-Davidson riders about some of their maintenance tips. Or if you’re still looking for the perfect ride, ask to view some of the models we have in stock right now. We welcome all current and future riders from Omaha, Texas and Camden, Arkansas.