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Basic motorcycle maintenance covers a handful of regular checks: tire pressure and tread, chain tension and lubrication, oil level and changes, brakes, lights, and the battery. Many riders use the T-CLOCS checklist before rides: Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Stands. Follow your owner’s manual for service intervals.
Motorcycle maintenance schedule
| When | What to check |
|---|---|
| Before every ride | Tyres (pressure and damage), lights, horn, brakes, chain slack, leaks |
| Weekly or every 500 miles | Clean and lube the chain, check oil level, check coolant |
| Every oil service (check your manual) | Engine oil and filter, air filter, brake fluid level, cables |
| Every 1 to 2 years | Brake fluid flush, coolant change, spark plugs (model-dependent) |
| At the manual’s interval | Valve clearance check, fork oil, wheel bearings, steering head bearings |
Your owner’s manual is the final word on intervals; bikes vary a lot.
Use the T-CLOCS check
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCS checklist covers Tyres and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, and Stands. Running through it before rides catches most problems early.
Jobs you can do at home
- Change the oil and filter
- Adjust and lube the chain
- Check rear wheel alignment and measure your motorcycle’s wheelbase after chain or swingarm work
- Change a tire (with the right tools)
- Choose replacements with our best motorcycle tires for wet weather and all-season riding
- Check and top up brake fluid and coolant
- Keep the battery charged with a tender; see best motorcycle batteries
Jobs best left to a mechanic
Valve adjustments, fork rebuilds, brake caliper overhauls and anything involving the fuel system or ECU are worth paying a professional for unless you have the tools and a service manual. See how to work on a motorcycle to build your skills.
Seasonal care
Before winter, follow our winterizing guide and treat the tank with one of the best fuel stabilizers; if your bike lives outside, see leaving a motorcycle in the rain.
FAQ
How often should a motorcycle be serviced?
Follow your manual; most need a service at least once a year or at set mileage intervals.
Can I maintain my own motorcycle?
Yes, basic jobs like oil and chain care are easy. See how to work on a motorcycle.
What tools do I need?
A socket set, torque wrench, tire gauge, chain lube and a paddock stand cover most basic jobs.
Related reading: how to push-start a motorcycle.
For the chain itself, our step-by-step guide on how to clean a motorcycle chain covers O-ring safe cleaners, brushes and how often to do it.
The bottom line
A few minutes of checks before each ride and regular basic maintenance keep your bike safe, reliable and worth more when you sell it.
Browse all our accessory guides.
