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Item
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General Procedure
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| Electrical |
Check head light high/low beam, tail/brake
light, turn signals, instrument and driving lights.
Test Kill button/switch and inspect overall wiring for
chafe. Use wire ties to secure loose wires. A shot of WD-40 will keep switches & locks healthy.
Check battery levels and clean terminals. Baking soda &
water will clean corrosion from the post (Don't get it in the battery!), a little Vaseline or grease will help
prevent future corrosion.
If the bike has a fuse box, check 'em and get spares. |
Engine
Fluids |
Check levels. If engine/transmission
oil is black or very dark & burnt, change oil & filter. Change oil if mileage/time indicates it's due.
Inspect fuel filter & screens for crud and check lines
for chafe and dry rot.
Water cooled Engines: Check coolant/anti-freeze level,
and check flow/pump/hoses. |
| Brakes |
Check and adjust lever & pedal
travel. Refer to your owners/shop manual for specs.
Check master cylinders for clean brake fluid & proper fluid levels.
Inspect pads/liners and replace if needed. Don't let a
front brake grab on wet pavement.
Irregular or "jerky" stopping may mean a warped rotor or drum.
Brakes are possibly the most important component on a bike. Don't bet your life on worn brakes! |
Tires &
Wheels |
Inspect tires for even wear and dry
rot (cracking) or cuts in side walls.
Inspect valve stems for dry rot (and rim cuts on tube
stems).
Check air pressure. Do not over inflate especially in
Hot conditions/climate.
Inspect rims for dents, cracks (alloy) and Carefully tighten loose spokes.
Check axles, axle nuts & hardware for tightness &
wear and lube the bearings.
Inspect drive chain(& lube) or belt for excessive
wear and adjust/replace as needed. |
Engine &
Transmission |
Check spark plugs. Brown to grayish-tan
is good. Black is probably from burning oil or a rich fuel/air mix., light gray or whitish can mean a lean fuel/air
mix or an intake leak.
Check carbs, and adjust float level(s) & idle/fuel/air.
Clean carbs are happy carbs... Aerosol Carb/Injector cleaner can work wonders on carburetor or fuel injected motors.
Inspect/adjust ignition components & replace old spark
plugs & wires.
About every 500 miles, check nuts, bolts & screws
for tightness.
Inspect oil lines for leaks, cracks or chafe & look
for oil leaks from the engine/trans. case(s).
Inspect air filter(s) and if dirty, replace or clean depending
on type.
Inspect exhaust for leaks(especially at the manifold)
and check mounting brackets. |
Frame &
Suspension |
Check/tighten/torque all nuts &
bolts & engine/trans. mounting hardware.
Look for hair line cracks around engine/transmission mounting
brackets.
Check steering head/fork assembly for looseness/tightness
and adjust if needed.
Lube steering(tree) bearings.
Check front forks for leaks. Replace seals if necessary
Check fork fluid level (refer to owners manual, use only
approved hydraulic fluid).
Inspect rear shock(s), (replace if worn or soft) and check
fender mounting brackets/hardware.
Inspect handle bars for cracks, check mounts and oil all
cables. |
Tool Kit &
Spares
(Admittedly an "over the top" list) |
Wrench set. *Sockets with ratchet,
extensions
U-swivel. Screw drivers. Pliers (needle nose, vice grip
& slip joint).
Crescent wrench.
Hex wrenches.
Small utility knife.
Small hammer & punch.
Hack saw blades.
File.
Thickness gauge.
12v test lamp.
Fuses.
Assorted nuts, bolts, cotter pins, etc.
Chain mast. link & spare links.
Spark plugs.
Ign. points or module.
Hose clamp.
Bulbs.
Spoke wrench.
Elect. Tape.
Elect. wire.
Flat tire plug kit. (tubeless tires only)
Sm. tube silicon/gasket maker.
Picture (braided)wire.
1 Qt. Oil.
Shop rag.
Small flash light.
8'x10' poly plastic sheet.
Cell Phone |
Some Items Should Be Checked Before Every Ride, Others During Spring/Fall Thorough Maintenance. You Should Determine
What's Appropriate For Your Riding Style/Bike And Mark Items Accordingly.