Comprehensive Motorcycle Service & Maintenance Checklist

Routine motorcycle maintenance is essential for the safety and performance of your motorcycle.

By following a motorcycle service and maintenance checklist, you can be sure that all the important parts of your motorcycle are properly serviced and kept in good working order.

This will help to prevent costly repairs down the road, and will keep your motorcycle running smoothly for years to come.

Motorcycle Service Checklist

Following is a motorcycle service and maintenance checklist to help you keep your motorcycle in top condition:

• Tires. 
• Brakes.
• Chain.
• Lights.
• Engine.
• Suspension.
• Controls (levers, throttle, switches).
• Body and Frame.
• Battery.
• Oil.

By following this motorcycle service and maintenance checklist, you can help to ensure that your motorcycle is safe and running at its best. Regular servicing will also extend the life of your motorcycle, and help to preserve its value. So don’t forget to check your motorcycle regularly and perform basic maintenance tasks on a regular basis.

1. Tires

Check tires for proper inflation, tread depth, and wear. Replace any worn or damaged tires. 

Learn more about tire maintenance for your motorcycle.

2. Brakes

Check your brakes for proper operation and pad thickness. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for when to replace pads. 

Find more information about servicing your motorcycle brakes.

3. Chain and Sprockets

Check motorcycle chains for proper tension and lubrication. Adjust tension as necessary, and add lubricant if needed. 

Learn more about motorcycle chain maintenance.

4. Lights

Your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are important for you to see and be seen.

Check motorcycle lights for proper operation and brightness. Replace bulbs or lenses as required. 

5. Engine

Inspect the engine for any oil or coolant leaks. Top up fluids as required, and check for any other signs of wear or damage. 

Find everything you need to know about motorcycle engine rebuilds and repairs.

6. Suspension

Check motorcycle suspension for proper operation and adjust as needed. Replace worn parts, such as shock absorbers, if necessary. 

Find more information about service topics for your motorcycle suspension, controls, and frame.

7. Controls

Check motorcycle controls (levers, throttle, switches) for proper operation and lubricate them regularly. 

Learn how to adjust your motorcycle throttle cable.

8. Frame & Body

Inspect the motorcycle frame for any rust or corrosion and treat as necessary. 

Check out our article about removing rust from a motorcycle gas tank. These tips can come in handy for other rusty parts too.

9. Battery

Check your battery for proper charge and clean terminals and inspect cables. Recharge or replace the battery, if required.

Find everything you need to know about motorcycle batteries.

10. Oil

Change oil and filters as recommended by the motorcycle owner’s manual.

Find out how to change your oil.

Estimated Cost for Routine Motorcycle Maintenance

The cost of motorcycle servicing and maintenance can vary considerably depending on the specific motorcycle, type of service required, etc.

However, typically you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $1500 per year for general maintenance of your bike.

In some years, additional parts and fluids may also be needed, potentially bringing the total up by several hundred dollars in that year.

How Often Should a Motorcycle Be Serviced? 

Routine motorcycle servicing intervals vary by bike, you should refer to your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.

Most motorcycle manufacturers recommend servicing every 4,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first).

Make sure to follow the service and maintenance checklist carefully and adhere to the guidelines outlined in your motorcycle owner’s manual.

This will help to keep your motorcycle running smoothly and safely for years to come. 

What can most riders do themselves?

Motorcycle riders tend to have a more intimate relationship with their bikes than car owners have with their cars.

Riders tend to be more hands-on when it comes to motorcycle servicing and maintenance.

Many motorcycle owners are capable of checking tires, brakes, lights, chains, suspension, controls, engine and frame of the motorcycle, and can top up fluids.

Many will be glad to tackle an oil change on their own even if it’s a bit of a messy job.

With a bit of knowledge and practice, motorcycle riders can easily perform many routine motorcycle maintenance tasks themselves.

This will help to keep costs down, as most motorcycle servicing and maintenance work can be done without needing professional help.

If you are ever in doubt about any aspect of motorcycle servicing or maintenance, always refer to your motorcycle owner’s manual and contact a motorcycle professional for advice.

Safety is key, so never take unnecessary risks with motorcycle servicing or maintenance. If you aren’t sure you can get the job done safely, take the bike to a pro.