Take Care of Your Cruiser Motorcycle With These Tips!

There's nothing like riding your cruiser on a nice day and getting some fresh air. However, motorcycles require regular maintenance to run well. We can help you with all of your riding needs at Bartels' Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey, California. We serve the Malibu and Santa Monica, California, areas too.

Start With Your Owner's Manual

The best information you can get for your cruiser is the maintenance instructions in your manual. You can find the specific measurements, recommended maintenance procedures, and time intervals for your particular model inside it. The manual also has a service timeline to keep track of your maintenance schedule.

Tires, Brakes, and Brake Fluid

The most critical part of your bike is the tires. Consistently check the tire pressure according to the psi guidelines in your manual. Additionally, you should check the tread on your tires to know when you need to replace them. Routinely check the brake pads and brake fluid levels in the front and rear reservoirs. 

Fuel and Fuel Filter

The fuel filter should last you longer than other parts of your bike, but you should still keep an eye on it and your fuel tank. You'll want to prevent any corrosion inside the tank by using higher octane fuel, especially if you don't ride your bike often. 

Belts, Chains, and Shafts

Keep watch of your belts, chains, and shafts, as they are crucial to transfer the power from your engine to your wheels. Belts and chains should fit snugly but not too tight either. Apply lubricant to them as you need to. 

Check and Change Your Oil

Your oil should be changed every six months or every 2,000 miles. Check the oil levels regularly to ensure there's enough oil inside the engine on all of your rides. If you see low oil levels or dark sludge, you may need to change the oil and determine what is causing the issue. 

Your Battery

If you're not able to start your bike, you may need to change the battery. It may just need to be charged, but if there is a frequent starting issue, then it could need to be replaced. Also, if you are storing your bike for a long time, you should disconnect the battery to prevent it from being drained. 

Take care of your cruiser motorcycle, and it will take care of you when you are out riding it. Stop by Bartels' Harley Davidson in Marina Del Rey, California, for more information on servicing your cruiser. Customers from Malibu and Santa Monica, California, are welcome to shop with us, too!