Most motorcycle maintenance can be done in the garage with the exception of some special tools.

Learning some motorcycle maintenance tips on how to keep your bike running and on the road can help to keep the costs down and also give you a better knowledge of your bike. The best general tip concerning motorcycle maintenance I can give is to use the tools that came with your bike. I have added only two extra tools and all of the maintenance I do, I do with these tools. If there is something that I can't do with them, I take it to my mechanic.

The main reason I do this is if I am ever stranded on the road, I will know how to fix it with what I have on hand. It also pushes me to find different ways to use the tools in different situations.

First thing you should do is to find yourself a mechanic you can trust. One who will do the work you need done and will do it right. One that can also work with you when needed and one who will not road test your bike at 90 miles per hour. (Personal Gripe)

I think the most important thing to ensure to maintain are your brakes. We all know there is nothing like riding but believe you me, if you can't stop, the ride can scare the you know what out of you. So maintaining the brakes should be your number one priority.

Engine maintenance these days is relatively easy. Pretty much change the oil when required (I still change mine every 3000 miles). Oil these days is getting more expensive and they are making oil that lasts 7500 miles plus, my big question is, how long should the filter stay on then.

Cables can be different for each bike. Throttle cables are a bit different that brake cables. Some have cruise control which are handled differently still. So we'll just hit the basics here as most cables no a days only need minor attention.

Batteries can be a real pain if you don't take care of them correctly and most care for them is done when you are not riding. During the winter months is when the batteries take the most abuse.

The electrical system overall does not need too much care but there are some things from tightening to cleaning that you can do to keep the electrical system working as you expect it to.

Annual tune ups are essential. Motorcycles being more open to the environment, vibration and weather all make it a necessity in caring for your bike so you can watch the odometer crank up into the hundreds of thousands of miles while enjoying every one of them.

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