What happens if you stop servicing your motorcycle? The simple answer is that you put both the bike and your safety at risk.
Servicing is essential for your motorcycle’s performance, level of safety and lifespan. It involves tasks such as replacing the engine oil and spark plugs, adjusting the chains, and inspecting the engine, suspension, and electrical systems. Servicing keeps your bike running in peak condition and gives your mechanic the chance to identify minor issues before they develop into serious problems.
We all get busy. But skipping your regular scheduled services is riskier than it may seem. Tyres with low pressure can cause skidding or blowouts, worn-out brakes can shorten your stopping distance and missed oil changes can lead to engine failure, all of which increase the risk of an accident on the road.
If you own an older motorcycle, ride it often, or frequently ride in rougher conditions, you may need to book more frequent services to keep your bike in good condition. But sometimes you’re not even aware you’re overdue for a service until a problem catches you off-guard at the worst possible time.
Here are some signs that you need to book your motorcycle in for a service as soon as possible, before it’s too late for the motorbike or you.
Signs Your Motorcycle Needs a Service
There are many potential signs that your motorcycle is overdue for a service. Some are minor and could have more than one cause, while others will scream at you that something is wrong and you should take immediate action. Here are some of the most common tells to look out for:
Minor Signs
Worn or damaged tyres
Your tyres connect you to the road. If one of them blows out, it can cause skidding and serious accidents. Bald tyres decrease your stopping distance and make your motorcycle harder to control. If your tyres have had time to wear down, it’s a sign that the rest of your motorcycle is due for an examination too.
Gears not shifting smoothly
If your chain is noisy and your gears aren’t shifting smoothly, it indicates that some lubrication or adjustment is in order.
A dry or rusty chain
A dry or rusty motorbike chain can prematurely wear out or break, causing you to lose control of your bike on the road. If your chain has any traces of rust, corrosion or cracking, it’s something to look into and also a sign that it has been a while since your last service.
An uncomfortable riding experience
A smooth and responsive ride should always be the goal. If you’ve noticed a rougher or more jarring experience or a vibration coming from your seat or handlebars, it suggests issues with your engine or your wheel alignment.
Major Signs
Unusual noises
Strange and unexpected noises, such as clanging, banging, or buzzing, can indicate a loose component on the motorcycle or problems with the wheel bearings, brakes, or exhaust system. Whatever the case, it typically means your motorcycle needs immediate attention.
Electrical issues and faulty lights
Your lights are important for maintaining visibility at night and in all kinds of weather conditions, making them essential safety features. If you experience flickering or non-functioning lights, it’s time to have a chat with the experts.
Unresponsive or grinding brakes
Any kind of grinding noise is alarming and a bad sign. If you hear it when you brake or experience a lack of responsiveness from your brakes, there’s a chance that your pads have worn down almost completely.
Warning lights
Don’t ignore warning lights such as your check engine light or low oil pressure light. They indicate problems that you need to address immediately.
Smoke from the exhaust pipe
Blue or black smoke billowing from the exhaust pipe is one of the most evident signs you’re going to get that something is wrong. Burning oil or leaky valve seals are among the most likely culprits.
Motorcycle Servicing Schedule
How often should you service your motorcycle? That depends on the age and style of your motorcycle and how often you ride it. Modified motorcycles with aftermarket parts often need more servicing, as well as bikes that take a thrashing in rough conditions.
Always consult your owner’s manual to get the most accurate information for your motorcycle. However, a good rule of thumb is to service your motorcycle at least once a year or every 4,000 to 6,000 kilometres. If you ride three to five times a week, you’re safer servicing your motorcycle every 6-9 months. If you ride every day or in rough conditions, every six months is a better option.
Even if you don’t rack up the kilometres, an annual service is the best course of action for keeping your motorcycle in good shape. Not to mention, adhering to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule is typically required to maintain your warranty’s validity.
The Cost of Servicing a Motorcycle
The price of a motorcycle service varies based on make and model, and the specific items serviced.
Based in Bowen Hills on the northside of Brisbane, Taverner Motorsports can always provide you with a fair, reliable and affordable service. At Taverner, we make sure your motorcycle is in prime condition with a full motorcycle service that starts at $549 and includes replacing the engine, primary and gearbox, replacing the filter, changing the spark plugs, adjusting the primary and rear belt chain, adjusting the clutch and providing a test ride and condition report.
In addition to focusing on the mechanical aspects, Taverner pays attention to the cosmetic condition of your motorbike: polishing and waxing the bodywork, cleaning and treating the upholstery and taking care of minor scratches and blemishes.
Taverner also has a minor motorcycle service designed to cover the basics between standard services at a reduced rate of $299. It includes replacing the engine oil, oil filter and spark plugs and providing a test ride and condition report. Our goal is to catch any minor issues before they become major problems and keep your motorcycle in the best possible condition between full-scale services.
Keep Your Motorcycle in Peak Performance with Taverner
A team with over 90 years of combined experience, Taverner Motorsports has serviced, repaired and modified just about every motorcycle you can think of by this stage. Passionate about the motorcycle industry, we treat your bike with the same care as we would one of our own. We take pride in our attention to detail, commitment to customer service and exceptional standards of work.
Our motorcycle workshop does a lot more than servicing, too. With a large network of worldwide parts suppliers and local paint, finishing and machinery partners, we supply and use only the best for services like bike restoration, custom workshop services, performance upgrades, engine rebuilds, and custom motorcycle builds. While we specialise in British and American motorcycles, with a focus on Harley-Davidsons, our decades in the industry have given us the skills and experience to repair, restore, rebuild or otherwise enhance just about any motorcycle you can present to us.
To keep your motorbike running to its highest possible standards, get a quote from the Taverner team or come see us at the workshop.