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Basic Harley-Davidson® Upkeep
The Harley-Davidson® name has become synonymous with ruling the road. With its signature look and proven performance, it’s no wonder you chose to ride one. But all that power requires checkups to keep your ride running smoothly. Maintenance and upkeep are a must, just like any other vehicle. At Wild Fire Harley-Davidson®, we’ve got a few suggestions for how to take care of your bike. This isn’t a complete list, and if you’re not familiar with the gear, schedule an appointment today. We’ll make sure you get the service you and your bike need without hassle or worry. Or, if you know what you’re doing and just want a second opinion, feel free to stop by. We proudly serve Villa Park, Illinois, just outside Chicago.
Small Components
The secret to Harley®’s performance lies in more than just the engine. There are many components to the bike that keep you on the pavement, whether it’s belts, chains, or drive shafts. Together, these parts take the power from the engine and translate it to unrestrained speed. You’ll need to make sure all these parts are working smoothly.
Belts and chains should be checked every month or so to make sure they’re at the right tension. They need to be fairly taut, but not too much. If something feels off, bring them in to get them adjusted. Lubricant sprayed every few weeks can prevent corrosion from dirt, salt, and other contaminants. The lubricant breaks down these elements, which will make your belt or chain last longer. Drive shafts generally need much less maintenance, but if a problem does arise, our mechanics will gladly take a look at it for you.
Braking System
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles use a hydraulic disc braking system. This is good for you because they’re reliable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, they aren’t perfect and will periodically require inspection and fixing. We recommend you let an expert look at them, but if you’d like to do a quick quality check yourself, try following these steps:
First, look at the front and rear reservoirs. You should see a mark that shows how much fluid should be in them for proper use. If they don’t reach the mark, take off the cap and fill them appropriately. If you don’t see any fluid, you might be looking at bigger problems. Bring your bike in for service right away.
Next, check the brake pads. They should be smooth and evenly worn. If you see extreme wear or extremely rough surfaces, replace your brake pads as soon as possible.
These two are the easy checks and fixes, but brakes often require special work. If you notice something is off while using your brakes, bring your bike in for a professional to look at before riding again.
Fluids and Filters
Oil checks and changes are just as important to motorcycles as they are to cars. Check your fluid before every ride, especially long ones, using a dipstick. Top it off when it starts running low. If the oil’s getting dark or too thick, it’s time to change it out. Don’t forget to change out the oil filter every time you perform an oil change.
Regular maintenance will keep you and your pocketbook safe in the long run, so we highly encourage regular inspections. For repairs, and other Harley-Davidson® needs, stop by Wild Fire Harley-Davidson® serving Villa Park, Illinois, outside of Chicago.