A Beginner’s Guide to Servicing Your Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a big investment. That’s why you want to make sure you keep yours in good working condition by having it professionally serviced. You can do some maintenance tasks yourself, but it’s still good practice to have a professional take a look at your bike, as you would with a car.
At North County Indian Motorcycle®, we don’t just sell great bikes — we service them too! Our service department is here to help you with all of your annual needs. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to servicing your motorcycle so you’re prepared for your next trip to the department. Keep reading, then give us a call at our San Marcos, California location to schedule your appointment! We are proud to serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, so let us help you with all of your motorcycle needs!
Why Service Your Bike?
You may feel pretty confident in your maintenance and mechanical prowess. However, unless you’re professionally trained, there are probably some tasks that you aren’t equipped for. You’ll benefit from the peace of mind that comes from having a professional look over your motorcycle. Regular service will extend your bike’s life and keep it functioning at full capacity.
When to Service?
In general, you should get your machine serviced at least once a year. This will ensure that your rides are as safe as can be. There will also be less of a chance of small issues turning into major problems. Keep in mind that it is important to regularly do some upkeep on your bike like change the oil, check the tire pressure, and tend to the battery.
Will I Save Money?
Having a skilled professional service your motorcycle will keep you from spending money in the long run. You won’t have to worry about unloading extra cash for expensive repairs that happen due to neglect of festering problems. Additionally, if you opt to sell your bike somewhere down the road, a detailed record of maintenance and repairs will play in your favor.
What Happens at my Appointment?
There are four main levels of service that your rig might need: interim, annual, major, and full. Each level includes the basics like inspecting bulbs, clutches, bearings, suspension systems, exhaust, spark plugs, oil and filter changes, and tire examination. However, some levels come with enhanced inspections. Most levels can be completed in a day, but more intense jobs will require you to leave your bike with the shop for a few days.
The type of motorcycle service you need will depend on how often you ride your bike and how you use it. For example, someone who frequently races or commutes daily in inclement weather will put more wear and tear on their machine than someone who casually cruises on the weekends. In general, the more you use your rig and the more intense the conditions you ride in, the more rigorous service your bike will need.
Types of Service
Annual service will cover all the basics and include an air filter inspection, spark plug replacement, and a battery and tire inspection. Major service is ideal for a motorcycle on the older side. This will include a detailed history check, a valve clearance check, and a throttle body balance adjustment. Finally, a full service is for older bikes that have been sitting idle. This will include a full fluid replacement, and the bike will be inspected from top to bottom. This may include cleaning and lubricating the steering head bearings and rear suspension linkage, and more.
Do you think your motorcycle needs to be serviced? All you have to do is call North County Indian Motorcycle®. We are located in San Marcos, California and proudly serve San Diego and Oceanside. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!