Harley Davidson Maintenance: Tips, Schedule, Plan & Costs

December 3, 2018

You’ve got a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Now what? You love riding in the open air with high performance acceleration, power and the sound of the engine. That sound. The sound only a Harley makes.

A little wind therapy goes a long way. So does following a Harley Davidson maintenance schedule. From engine oil to brake fluid, adhering to regular maintenance intervals will keep your bike in top condition. Of course, a little love here and there never hurt.

You’ve probably read Harley Davidson maintenance tips, gotten advice from your buddies and checked out commentary from online groups. Most bikers, greenies, wannabes and sometimes even our parents want to give their advice about what to do with the Harley Davidson. If they are mentioning maintenance, they are exactly right.

Take the time to review the owner’s manual and keep it in a place that you can access easily.

When your loved ones say, “Be Safe,” listen to them. Take action and commit to a Harley Davidson maintenance plan. Proper maintenance is a safety must.

Harley Davidson Maintenance Tips

Now that we have agreed to commit to a Harley Davidson maintenance plan, let’s look at some general maintenance tips. Since your owner’s manual will have a Harley Davidson service timeline, we will avoid giving concrete mileage checkpoints. Driving habits, biker style and your Harley model will cause varying maintenance intervals.

Don’t let Harley maintenance cost deter you. The price you pay for maintenance for your Harley will more than pay for itself by avoiding costly repairs in the future. Making sure your Harley has proper care and maintenance, will save you money on breakdowns and Harley Davidson service due to unexpected repairs.

Motorcycle maintenance is part of the Harley life. Take care of your bike and it will take care of you.

Watch the Wheels

Checking your tires regularly will keep you from real trouble. How often depends on how you ride your bike. If your Harley is your daily transportation, the weather is stable and the ride is routine, check the tires once a week. If you are on a long trip and are jumping from highway to backroads to dirt areas, check your tires every day, maybe even twice a day.

Proper air pressure is crucial and easy to adjust. Check your owner’s manual for recommended pressure amounts and invest in a quality gauge for accurate measurement. Since the suggested psi in the manual reflects cold tire pressure, it is best to check tire pressure an hour or longer after your last ride.

Without the right amount of air pressure, your braking ability will be thrown off and your bike will not handle as it should. Additionally, over-inflated tires will not have the right grip putting you at risk.

Keep an eye on your tire tread too. Worn out tires will not perform right on the road and will perform even worse in poor weather conditions. Take note of any scratches, marks, punctures and even tire rot. The more you know about your bike, the quicker you can solve small problems. Adhering to a Harley Davidson maintenance schedule will help identify the little things before they lead to bigger issues.

Engine Oil: Keep Your Harley Hydrated

Changing your engine oil on schedule is the biggest favor you can do for your bike.

Engine oil wears many hats. In order to do all its jobs efficiently, it must be changed on time and kept at the correct levels. Oil changing timeframes will depend on the age of your bike, miles ridden and the type of oil used. Your Harley mechanic will make sure your oil is checked at each maintenance interval but in the meantime, check your owner’s manual for your specific engine oil requirements.

  • Seasonal Changes: Your bike will use more oil in the summertime and less in the wintertime.
  • Fuel and Engine Efficiency: Old oil and inadequate oil will cause your bike to use more gas and can shorten the life of your engine. Keeping track of your engine oil will always be cheaper than an engine rebuild.
  • Overheating: If you depend on your bike in the heat of the Midwestern Summer or take long rides in the torturing temperatures, talk to your Harley mechanic about A Fan Assisted Oil Cooler. It will help with overheating oil, which in turn can cause a breakdown.

Clean the Air Filter

Have you and your Harley been on the backroads kicking up a lot of dust? Do you frequently ride through construction? If so, change that air filter!

Regularly replacing the air filter will protect your Harley engine from dirt and damaging particles.

How often it is necessary, depends on the environment in which you ride. If you live in a dusty area or interface with congested air, it may be best to clean your air filter once a week. If not, check the owner’s manual for a recommended timeline.

This maintenance task is listed on all service intervals and will be part of your ongoing Harley Davidson maintenance plan. A dirty or clogged air filter will affect both engine performance and fuel economy.


Adjust the Clutch

If you have recently purchased your Harley, you are probably going through the growing pains of getting to know your bike. This includes acclimating to the clutch. If you have been riding for a while, you know the clutch can make or break a great ride. Either way, the clutch can or should be adjusted before it becomes worn or problematic. 

The clutch connects your engine to the transmission and is responsible for gear changing. It is used a lot and over time, the clutch cable will loosen from the clutch lever’s grip. It’s a gradual process and the primary reason clutch adjustment should be part of your Harley Davidson service. For optimal performance, keep the clutch cables properly lubricated and make sure your clutch has enough free play.

If your Harley has a wet clutch, the type of lubricating oil will make a difference. Talk to a qualified Harley mechanic about oil chemistry and the types of oil that have the correct frictional properties. This one-step can save you the heartache of being stranded on the side of the road.

Bless the Brakes

Your motorcycle brakes can change the outcome of a split second reaction. When you need to slow down or stop, you need to slow down or stop. Without delay. Without hesitation. Keeping your brakes on a proper Harely Davidson maintenance schedule is, therefore, very important.

With a Harley you need precise stopping power. Brake fluid, brake pads, rotors, and lights, leaks and discs are all part of the safety system. Experts say to check the brake pads every 6,000 miles. If you ride on a lot hills or find yourself in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, be sure to check them more often. 

Befriend the Battery

Your motorcycle battery should last about 2 years. However, proper battery maintenance is necessary to make it go the full 48 months. You may request to have your battery inspected during your Harley Davidson service and prescribed maintenance intervals, but it must also be checked every single year. Talk to your Harley mechanic about how to care for your battery.

In the meantime, here are some helpful hints:

  • Keep an eye out for any leakage from the battery.
  • If you are not going to ride for a while, keep your battery fully charged.
  • The electrolyte cells on regular motorcycle batteries can be topped with distilled water.

Winter is hard on bikes and especially batteries. Neglecting your battery during the colder months will likely cause it a premature death. Allowing your battery to freeze can crack the case. If this happens, acid may spill on the bike. On the other hand, overcharging it can cause damage too. Talk to your Harley mechanic about proper maintenance for battery.

Love thy Engine

The Harley engine is like no other. The distinctive V-twin engine is undeniable. To love it is to keep it tuned up on schedule. Engine is a broad term but it had to be on the maintenance list, because, it is a Harley after all.

Follow Harley Davidson maintenance tips and talk to your Harley mechanic about a Dyno Tune. A properly tuned engine, will keep the rumble on the road.


Keep it Clean

We know sometimes you just gotta ride. Even when the bike is dirty.

When you are ready to get down to business and scrub it up, we have a few tips:

There are a lot of fancy products out there marketed for biking cleaning. I’m sure they work but may be overkill on the pocketbook. Online forums are great for sharing information. Check out a few and you may hear about alternatives that cost much less.

Whatever you use, make sure you have different cleaning rags and sponges for different areas. Microfiber cloths work well as does an old fashioned toothbrush for hard to reach areas.

Keep towels, chamois, sponges and wiping rags off the ground. Unintended debris may scratch your bike.

Cleaning your bike does more than keep it looking nice. It allows you to find broken parts. Pay attention to detail and take care of what you find.

Avoid washing your bike in direct sunlight. Water spots and streaks are harder to remove when warm.

Once done, take a slow ride down the street to pump your brakes and rid them of excess water. Next, go a bit faster to remove water hiding in grooves and hidden places.

Recommended Maintenance Miles

Your owner’s manual will provide maintenance guidelines. Make sure you follow the:

  • Harley Davidson 1000 mile service checklist
  • Harley Davidson 15000 mile service checklist
  • Harley Davidson 20000 mile service checklist

 

Harley Davidson maintenance intervals are also recommended for 5000 and 10,000 miles.

Costs of Harley Maintenance

Harley maintenance costs are minimal compared to going caput on the highway or chasing down a part. A lot of components don’t make it to their usable life span because the bike does not follow a Harley Davidson maintenance schedule.

Importance of Finding a Good Mechanic to Work on Your Bike

There are some maintenance tasks that you can perform and some maintenance items that are best handled by a qualified expert. Who better to perform maintenance work on your Harley than a Harley certified mechanic?

Mike at Mike’s 71 Cycles has over 20 years of experience with Harley Davidsons. Mike is a Harley enthusiast and has been providing maintenance and repair, including extended warranty service jobs, on all types of Harleys. Featured parts and Harley service is his thing.

Contact Mike today for affordable and reliable Harley maintenance.

Mike’s 71 Cycle

816-380-5331

Burgundy motorcycle in a garage with tools and parts.

Harley Davidson Service Checklist: 1000, 15000 and 20000 Miles

December 13, 2018
Maintenance Intervals Purchasing a Harley is a big investment. Maybe you have wanted one your whole life, are a lifelong rider or heard the rumble of the Harley engine and couldn’t resist. Whichever category you fall into, or perhaps you are in a category all your own, following the Harley Davidson Service Checklist, is the way to keep your bike in top condition and avoid potential mechanical problems down the road. The Harley Davidson Service Checklist is a must for staying safe and keeping your Harley from costing you money on preventable repairs. While there are primary service points for Harley Davidson motorcycles, it will be necessary to reference your owner’s manual for service checkpoints unique to your model and specific year. While you may be able to make your way through some minor repairs and upgrades, have your dedicated maintenance intervals performed by a certified Harley Mechanic. A Harley mechanic has the proper tool set and the proper knowledge to make sure the job is done right. If you are looking for an affordable Harley mechanic that is certified and experienced, check out Mike at Mike’s 71 Cycle. Located in Harrisonville, Mike’s 71 Cycle has been providing Harley Davidson motorcycle repair services to the South Kansas City area for over 20 years. From here on out, we’ll just call him Mike the Harley Mechanic. Below is a general overview of mileage milestones and prescribed maintenance tasks. Whether you have a Touring Bike or a Dyna, the following Harley Davidson Service Checklist fits the mold for what you can expect. Are you ready to review? Harley Davidson 1,000 Mile Service Checklist The 5,000 and 10,000 Mile Checklist And Harley Davidson 15,000 Mile Service Checklist Harley Davidson 20,000 Mile Service Checklist Let's do this! Harley Davidson 1000 Mile Service Checklist So, you’ve been out on the road enjoying your new bike and have hit the 1,000-mile marker. Congratulations! Now it’s time to take your bike to be serviced. The Harley Davidson 1000 Mile Service Checklist sets the tone for bike performance and gets you going on the right foot. Or shall we say, on the right wheel? A running theme in the Harley Davidson Service Checklist to keep your bike running smoothly is replacing the engine oil and filter. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reduces friction, acts as a coolant, harnesses debris and allows for the internal combustion. Engine oil performs a lot of duties but is often taken for granted. As you ride your bike, your engine oil will filter particles and relocate them to the oil filter. The condition of your old engine oil can alert you to potential or “in the now” troubles. Talk to your Harley mechanic about alarming plastics or other items found in the filter. You want engine oil that prevents corrosion and is formulated for maximum performance. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive. It just has to be right. The longevity of your engine depends on proper oil levels and changing it as necessary. We’ve seen many engine rebuilds caused by improper oil. So, do yourself a favor and avoid the pothole, but not the oil change. Moving on. Let’s see what all is on the Harley Davidson 1000 Miles Service Checklist: Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter Inspect Brake System: brake pads, discs, oil lines, fluid reservoir Inspect Air Filter: service as required Review Tires: pressure, tread, tightness of wheel spokes Check Primary Chain – adjust as necessary, change lubricant, clean magnetic drain plug Check Transmission: replace lubricant Review Clutch: adjust and lubricate, throttle, brake, clutch controls Review Rear Drive Belt and Sprockets: inspect and adjust belt Inspect Jiffy Stand: lubricate Inspect Fuel Valve, Lines and Fittings: look for leaks Inspect Spark Plugs Check Air Suspension Check operation of Electrical Equipment and Switches Check Tightness of all Critical Fasteners: hand controls, brake system, axle nuts, front fork components, riser and handle bar fasteners Inspect Exhaust System: leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields Road Test Harley Davidson 5,000 Mile Service Checklist After completing the Harley Davidson 1000 Miles Service Checklist, you’ve got time to put some miles under your belt. The next recommended service check is at 5,000 miles. However, don’t forget to check the small things. Get to know your bike. It will let you know if something is amiss. It may be gradual or it may be urgent, but keep in mind sometimes your Harley wants your attention too. Periodically, take a look at the tires. Road snakes, harsh road conditions, the accidental curb check, all can take a toll. A scratch or unnoticed puncture can lead to a flat tire. That’s no fun. Did you Know? Heavy, high-effort handling can be the result of a worn profile or underinflated tires. If your bike wants to swerve instead of tracking straight, it could be the wheel alignment. Over-inflated tires will give you a really rough ride. Mike the Harley Mechanic can give you valuable advice on tire maintenance. Ask questions and get to know a bit about tire trivia. Without a doubt, Mike the Harley Mechanic is one of your best resources. Call today: 816-380-5331 Ok, ok, ok. Enough about tires. Let’s get down to business on the 5,000 Mile Checkup, it includes: Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter Inspect Brake System: brake pads, discs, oil lines, fluid reservoir Inspect Air Filter: service as required Review Tires: pressure, tread, tightness of wheel spokes Review Clutch: adjust and lubricate, throttle, brake, clutch controls Review Rear Drive Belt and Sprockets: inspect and adjust belt Inspect Fuel Valve, Lines and Fittings: look for leaks Inspect Spark Plugs Check Air Suspension Check Operation of Electrical Equipment/Switches Inspect Exhaust System: leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields Road Test Harley Davidson 10,000 Mile Service Checklist Here we are at the 10,000 mile service checklist. Bet you are really enjoying your bike, all 10,000 miles of it! Have you noticed one very important Harley component that has been left out of the first two rounds of the Harley Davison Service Checklist? The battery! Your battery needs to be checked annually. It cannot wait to be checked at service intervals. Your Harley mechanic will guide you on how to keep your battery charged, especially if you do not ride often. Improper charging and letting your battery go dead, can be disastrous. Talk to your Harley go-to for details but please note our few helpful hints on keeping track of your battery. Monthly Visual Inspection Clean the Terminals Look for Loose Connectors Check for Leaks Taking care of your battery will prevent corrosion and buildup of dirt and harmful sediments. Address leaks immediately and if your Harley isn’t starting, it could be a connector that is not attached properly. Now that we have quickly covered battery care, we can move on the next maintenance interval and Harley Davidson 10,000 Miles Service Checklist: Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter Inspect Brake System: brake pads, discs, oil lines, fluid reservoir Inspect Air Filter: service as required Review Tires: pressure, tread, tightness of wheel spokes Check Primary Chain – adjust as necessary, change lubricant, clean magnetic drain plug Review Clutch: adjust and lubricate, throttle, brake, clutch controls Review Rear Drive Belt and Sprockets: inspect and adjust belt Inspect Jiffy Stand: lubricate Inspect Fuel Valve, Lines and Fittings: look for leaks Inspect Spark Plugs Check Air Suspension Check operation of Electrical Equipment and Switches Check Tightness of all Critical Fasteners: hand controls, brake system, axle nuts, front fork components, riser and handle bar fasteners Inspect Exhaust System: leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields Road Test Harley Davidson 15,000 Mile Service Checklist Depending on how much you ride, it could seem your bike is in the shop often service intervals. On the other hand, if you go for periods of time without riding, they will not come as quickly. In either scenario, your out-of-pocket cost to repair will be significantly less if you take the Harley Davidson Service Checklist seriously. Also, let’s talk fork oil for a moment. Fork oil serves two purposes: it provides lubrication for sliding parts and it provides damping. Damping helps with how well your bike adheres to and is affected by bumps in the road or unevenness. How often should you change your fork oil? That is a very good question. It’s been quoted as every year, every two years, every 30,000 miles, every 50,000 miles and more. The best thing is to check around or ask Mike the Harley Mechanic expert. He can let you know how often the fork fluid level should be checked, what to watch for with the wear rings and what to do if you suspect a leak. So, what about the Harley Davidson 15,000 Mile Service Checklist? Let’s take a look: Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter Inspect Brake System: brake pads, discs, oil lines, fluid reservoir Inspect Air Filter: service as required Review Tires: pressure, tread, tightness of wheel spokes Review Clutch: adjust and lubricate, throttle, brake, clutch controls Review Rear Drive Belt and Sprockets: inspect and adjust belt Inspect Fuel Valve, Lines and Fittings: look for leaks Inspect Spark Plugs Check Air Suspension Check operation of Electrical Equipment and Switches Inspect Exhaust System: leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields Road Test If you think there is a lot of familiarity between the Harley Davidson 1000 Mile Service Checklist, Harley Davidson 5000 Mile Service Checklist, Harley Davidson 10,000 Mile Service Checklist and the Harley Davidson 15,000 Mile Service Checklist, you are correct! With years and years to perfect their brand, Harley knows what needs to serviced and on what timeframe to keep their bikes running in perfect condition. Please keep in mind the items listed on supplied Harley Davidson Service Checklist intervals are broad itemizations. Specifics will vary from model to model. For details, reference your owner’s manual or call Mike the Harley Mechanic at 816-380-5331. Harley Davidson 20,000 Mile Service Checklist This is a great place to be. You’ve been through a lot with your bike after 20,000 miles. If you picked up your Harley sometime into its mileage, that’s great too. The important thing is you’ve stayed committed all the way to the Harley Davidson 20,000 Mile Service Checklist. Before we dive in, there is something worth mentioning. Some Harley Davidson service tasks require proper tools and service data. Even though it may be tempting to do part of a service check in your garage, a certified Harley mechanic should always service certain tasks. These service tasks are related to: the brake system and oil lines, spoke wheels, clutch and components, drive belt and sprockets, jiffy stand, fuel lines and critical fasteners. Without further delay, here is the Harley Davidson 20,000 Mile Service Checklist. Replace Engine Oil and Oil Filter Inspect Brake System: brake pads, discs, oil lines, fluid reservoir Inspect Air Filter: service as required Review Tires: pressure, tread, tightness of wheel spokes Check Primary Chain – adjust as necessary, change lubricant, clean magnetic drain plug Check Transmission: replace lubricant Review Clutch: adjust and lubricate, throttle, brake, clutch controls Review Rear Drive Belt and Sprockets: inspect and adjust belt Inspect Jiffy Stand: lubricate Inspect Fuel Valve, Lines and Fittings: look for leaks Inspect Spark Plugs and Replace Spark Plugs Check Air Suspension Check operation of Electrical Equipment and Switches Check Tightness of all Critical Fasteners: hand controls, brake system, axle nuts, front fork components, riser and handle bar fasteners Inspect Exhaust System: leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields Road Test Increase the Longevity of Your Harley Following protocol with the Harley service intervals is a great way to increase the longevity of your bike. It will run smoother, perform better and save you money on costly repairs. To maximize your Harleys potential, talk with Mike the Harley Mechanic about winterizing your ride along with a Spring Checklist. Taking proper precautions for cooler, colder, warm, hot and Midwestern weather will not only keep you on the road, it will make it easier to pull the bike out when it’s time to ride. Mike’s 71 Cycle Are you looking for a good, certified and affordable Harley mechanic? Check out Mike’s 71 Cycle in Harrisonville, MO. Serving South Kansas City, Mike is Harley certified and has been working from the Harley Davidson Service Checklist for over 17 years. A Harley enthusiast, Mike provides qualified, affordable Harley repair, maintenance, service checks, and has a bunch of Harley knowledge. All Harley types, makes and models are welcome and encouraged. Call or stop by and see Mike today! Mike’s 71 Cycle (816) 380-5331