Saving money maintaining your motorcycle

While the old adage; if it isn’t broke, don't fix it' holds, it's the thorough checking that 'it isn’t broke' that counts. Many modern bikes have very long service intervals, and are vastly more reliable than machines of the past. But don't let this make you complacent, regular checks are essential to the well being of your bike and yourself. 

Doing the simple work yourself not only keeps your bike running well and safely, it saves you money - especially if you choose pattern service parts as an alternative to their hard to get and expensive 'Genuine' counterparts. Often made in same factory as the originals, pattern service parts are generally as good as or better than original equipment. While these recommendations are applicable to most motorcycles, always check manufacturer's recommendations for correct service intervals for your machine. Daily checks

Weekly or 200 miles (whichever is sooner) the entire above, plus: 
Monthly or 1,000 miles (whichever is sooner) the entire above, plus: 
Every 3 months or 2,500 miles (whichever is sooner) the entire above, plus: 
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles the entire above, plus:
Every 12 months or 10,000 miles the entire above, plus: 
Laying up a bike over the winter:
A quick guide to some common service parts:

Engine maintenance is very bike specific so oil pumps, valve clearances, ignition timings etc. are not mentioned here; refer to manufacturers' guides, and if in doubt don't trust the geezer down the pub who used to have moped in the 70s, seek expert advice.

tags: hydraulic oil pump, vehicle oil pump