Motorcycle maintenance

Staying on top of basic motorcycle maintenance keeps your bike in peak condition, catch potential issues early and helps avoid potential breakdowns.

Even if you have regular service visits lined up with your dealer, there's real value in getting hands-on with your bike for a few key checks. These quick DIY inspections let you spot issues early, save on costly repairs, and keep everything running smoothly between those service intervals. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, here are eight essential maintenance tips that’ll help keep you on the road and out of the garage.

1. Check Your Lights

Your motorcycle’s lights are a key safety feature, ensuring visibility to other road users and illuminating the road ahead. You should inspect your headlights, tail lights, indicators, and brake lights before every ride. 

A quick test before each ride is usually sufficient, but make sure to clean any dirt or debris off the lenses, look for cracks or loose fixings, and if a bulb is flickering or dim, replace it.

2. Monitor Fluid Levels and Condition

Motorcycles rely on several essential fluids to keep components operating correctly. Check your engine oil regularly – not just for the level, but also for its color and condition; dark or sludgy oil should be changed immediately.

Similarly, inspect coolant, and if applicable, brake and hydraulic clutch fluid. Fresh fluid is clear and clean; if it looks dark or cloudy, it’s time for a change. Don’t forget that regular fluid changes extend the life of your engine and other components.

3. Inspect Your Tyres

First, check the tread depth and overall condition, looking for any embedded objects, cracks, or bulges. In the UK, motorcycles over 50cc must have a minimum tread depth of 1 mm across three-quarters of the tread width. The remaining quarter of the tread must still have visible tread.

Make sure both tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure, which can usually be found in the owner’s manual. Our VT32 Gauge has a pressure range of 0-60 Psi (0 to 4 Bar), so is ideal for use with most road and off-road bikes, and has a flexible stainless steel braided stem and  rotating chuck for accessing awkward valves.

See more at TyreSafe.

4. Battery Health

Battery failure is one of the most common causes of breakdowns. Start by ensuring the terminals are clean and free from corrosion. 

For conventional lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte level and top up with distilled water if necessary. 

If you have a sealed battery, ensure it’s holding a charge by testing it periodically. If your battery struggles to start the bike or holds a charge for only short periods, it may be time for a replacement.

5. Drive Chain and Sprockets

The drive chain transfers power from the engine to the wheels, so it needs to be well-maintained for smooth, safe riding. Keep your chain lubricated and check its tension regularly. 

A loose chain can skip over sprocket teeth, causing wear or even damaging the sprockets. Conversely, an overly tight chain can lead to premature wear on the chain and sprockets. Use your bike’s owner’s manual as a guide to ensure it’s adjusted correctly.

6. Regularly Inspect Your Suspension

Suspension components are often overlooked, but they play a significant role in the bike’s handling and overall stability. 

Regularly check for leaks in your fork seals and rear shock absorber(s), and if either feels overly soft or bouncy, it might be time for a servicing or adjustment. 

It’s also worth inspecting bushes, linkages and securing bolts and fasteners for condition and tightness too. 

7. Lubricate Control Cables

Control cables, such as the throttle, clutch, and brake cables should also be checked regularly. A quick visual inspection along the length of the cable can uncover any obvious issues, like cracks or kinks in the conduit (the cable’s outer covering), corrosion at the exposed ends of the inner wire, and anything untoward with nipples and other fixings.

It’s also worth checking free-play and lubricating. Clutch and throttle cables (and brake cables on older machines) will benefit from a light oil (e.g. 3-in-One).

Speedo and Tacho cables should be lubricated with medium to heavy duty gear oil. We typically use a 80W-90 Gear Oil. To learn how to do this properly, read our other blog post on How to Lubricate Your Motorcycle’s Cables.  

Alternatively, you can fit Venhill high quality Featherlight spec cables, which don’t require lubrication, thanks to the PTFE ‘teflon’ liner. 

8. Brake System Maintenance

Brakes are critical to your safety on the road, and giving them regular attention ensures they perform well in any situation. The braking system is made up of several components, each of which plays a role in safe stopping. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Brake Fluid: Check the fluid level in the reservoir and ensure it’s within the recommended range. Brake fluid deteriorates over time, so if it appears dark or cloudy, it’s time for a change.

  • Hoses and Lines: Over time, brake hoses can wear down and develop cracks or leaks, which can lead to brake failure. Braided stainless steel hoses are a great upgrade, as they resist expansion and last longer than standard rubber hoses. Venhill offers a range of high-quality braided hoses that improve braking performance and reliability.

  • Brake Pads: Inspect your brake pads regularly, looking for signs of wear. If the pads are approaching their wear limit - usually 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm - replace them immediately.

  • Brake Discs: Check the discs for any scoring or uneven wear. Warped or heavily worn discs can reduce braking efficiency and should be replaced immediately.

You can learn more about motorcycle brake care in our Better Braking Challenge.

 

Upgrade your Motorcycle with Braided Brake Hoses

One simple yet effective upgrade for improving braking performance is to fit Venhill braided brake hoses. Unlike rubber hoses, which can expand under pressure and degrade over time, braided hoses are resistant to expansion and can withstand higher pressures. 

This results in a firmer, more responsive feel at the brake lever, giving you greater control and confidence. Braided hoses also last longer, saving you time and money in the long run.

Keeping up with your bike’s maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, and small checks can make a big difference in both safety and performance.