Essential Harley-Davidson Maintenance Tips Every Rider Should Know

Owning a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle isn't just about the thrill of the open road as you accelerate through those twisties or pin the throttle on those open straightaways—it's about taking care of the machine that gets you there and making sure it is always performing at its best. Regardless if you're a seasoned rider or new to the Harley family, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your bike running smoothly and safely so you can enjoy countless miles of adventures and freedom. Here at Low Country Harley-Davidson, we believe every rider should feel confident in maintaining their motorcycle while also being educated on basic, everyday motorcycle maintenance. Here are a few must-know maintenance tips to keep your Harley in top shape.

1. Regular Oil and Filter Changes Your Harley's engine is a sophisticated engineering marvel and requires attention to make sure it is always running like new. Regular oil and filter changes are critical to keeping it lubricated and running at peak performance. Check your owner's manual for the recommended intervals, but as a rule of thumb, you should replace the oil and oil filter every 2,500 to 5,000 miles.

2. Tire Care and Pressure Checks Your tires are essential to your safety on the road, especially on a winding road or in less than ideal weather conditions. In an ideal world they are the only part of your motorcycle that should be making contact with the road. Check tire pressure regularly and inspect for wear, cracks, or embedded objects. Proper tire pressure improves handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. You can pick up a tire tread depth gauge at any auto parts store or order one online. Please follow the tire’s manufacturer guidelines to figure out how low your tire tread can be without compromising safety and performance. In regards to tire pressure, you will be able to find the correct PSI for your tire on the sidewall of the tire itself.

3. Brake System Inspections Don’t wait until you hear that dreadful squeal when you hit your brakes, make sure to regularly inspect your brake pads and rotors to track their wear and don’t forget to check your brake fluid levels for both the front and rear master cylinders. If anything feels off or you're unsure, our service department is always here to help.

4. Battery Maintenance A dead battery can ruin even the best planned ride. Clean your battery terminals, keep it fully charged (especially during the winter months), and check for signs of corrosion. We also recommend putting your motorcycle on a trickle charger when you’re not riding it to make sure your Harley-Davidson is always charged and ready to go. 

5. Drive Belt and Chain Care Your drive system needs regular attention / monitoring as well. Keep belts properly tensioned and chains lubricated to avoid unnecessary wear. For more info on how much tension your Harley-Davidson requires, please consult your service manual. While some movement or flex on your belts/chains is necessary, too much or too little movement can quickly lead to a disaster on the road. If a chain or belt is too tight it can put stress on the wheel bearings and possibly even the transmission bearings and the chain itself. If they are too loose it can wear out the teeth or chain link rollers and the belt/chain could jump causing it to pop off of the sprocket/pulley. 

6. Lights and Electrical System Check Stay safe and visible. Regularly inspect headlights, taillights, turn signals, and your horn. Electrical issues can be tricky, so don’t hesitate to bring it by for a quick diagnostic.

Bonus Tip: Keep It Clean Washing your Harley not only keeps it looking great, but it also helps you spot issues like leaks, rust, or loose bolts before they become problems.

Ride With Confidence Need help with your maintenance? Schedule a service appointment with our expert technicians at Low Country Harley-Davidson in North Charleston, SC on Dorchester Rd. We’ll keep your bike running strong so you can focus on what matters most—the ride.