Are Harleys reliable? Many people wonder if they are and whether they should maintain them regularly. Some owners are not knowledgeable enough to do the maintenance themselves, and some even skip it altogether. However, proper maintenance is crucial for Harleys to run well, and without it, they can suffer from a variety of problems. Proper maintenance is the best way to ensure your Harley will continue running for years to come. Whether your bike is made by Harley or by another manufacturer, proper maintenance is an important aspect of ensuring its longevity.
Maintenance on a Harley Davidson
If you’re considering getting your motorcycle serviced at home, here are some of the most important things to know about maintenance on a Harley Davidson. These routine maintenance tasks are recommended every 5000 to 10,000 miles. You should also remember to clean your bike every once in a while to check for damaged parts. While cleaning your bike, you should avoid doing it in direct sunlight, as water spots are difficult to remove. If you’re unsure about how to clean your bike, take a slow ride down the street to help you get rid of excess water and any hidden spots.
When you’re performing routine maintenance on your Harley, make sure to check your engine’s coolant level. Remove the filler cap and inspect the coolant level. If the coolant is low, drain it and refill with a funnel. You should also check the air filter and fuel filter for dirt buildup. Dirty filters can reduce the performance and fuel economy of your motorcycle. To get the best performance from your motorcycle, always use the recommended oil and change it as per the service schedule.
Maintenance on a Harley’s brake pads
If you want to ensure your motorcycle’s safety, you must understand the importance of brake pad maintenance. The front brake pads should be replaced when the friction material wears down below 0.016 inches (4 mm) over the steel backing plate. You can find the minimum thickness stamped on the side of the disc. You can also use a dial indicator to measure the lateral runout of the disc. Maximum lateral runout is 0.008 inches or 2mm.
The front brake pads and discs should be inspected at regular service intervals and anytime the motorcycle is disassembled for any service. Brake discs and pads should be replaced in pairs, both inner and outer. On dual-disc models, you should replace both sides. Never mix different brands or compounds of brake pads. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The motorcycle service manual should contain specific information regarding brake fluid.
Maintenance on a Harley’s oil
Changing your Harley’s oil is crucial for the long life of your motorcycle. Fresh oil prevents wear and tear and protects internal engine components. In addition, it reduces friction and acts as a coolant. This fluid also filters debris from the motor. To change the oil, you should take your motorcycle to a mechanic at least twice a year. Before starting the job, put your bike on a jiffy stand on level ground. Remove the dipstick counter-clockwise. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Then, insert the dipstick again until the thread rests on it. Check the oil level by checking for two marks or a cross-hatched pattern on the dipstick.
For more detailed instructions, consult a technician at a local dealership. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expensive and servicing them regularly can result in costly faults. In addition to the oil changes, Harleys have a number of other components that require regular maintenance. For a regular schedule of maintenance, check the clutch and brakes. You should also replace the air filter and check the brakes. Once your bike is inspected, check the oil level and adjust brakes if needed.
Maintenance on a Harley’s engine
Maintaining the engine of your Harley is a must. Oil is the lifeblood of your Harley’s engine. It reduces friction and wear. It also forms a seal between the pistons, cylinder walls, and rings. Oil is important because it keeps the engine cool and prevents carbon and varnish buildup. Regular oil changes can help the engine last longer. They can also extend the life of your motorcycle.
Regular air filter replacement helps protect your Harley’s engine from harmful emissions. If you live in an area with dusty air, you may want to clean your air filter every week or month. In any case, you should follow the recommended replacement schedule in your owner’s manual. A dirty air filter affects the performance of the engine and fuel economy. Changing the air filter is an essential part of your Harley’s engine maintenance plan.
Maintenance on a Harley’s battery
If you have a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you must be familiar with how to properly maintain the battery. While most battery types need routine maintenance, a Harley’s needs special attention. Wet cell, AGM, and Lithium batteries have all been developed with specific care and maintenance in mind. Performing maintenance on a battery on a Harley can help keep it running at top capacity and preventing damage.
To properly maintain your Harley’s battery, you must charge it at least once a month. When not in use, you should charge the battery once or twice a week or every two months. The charging frequency will depend on the temperature of the environment, as hotter weather will require more frequent charging. Always have a professional inspect your Harley’s battery before riding it. Once you have charged the battery, you can safely start the bike.