Motorcycle maintenance: tips to improve performance
Proper motorcycle maintenance isn’t just about keeping your bike running, it’s about making sure every ride is safe, smooth and enjoyable. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your motorbike.
Key Takeaways
Regular maintenance is key to your motorcycle’s safety, performance, and longevity
Essentials include cleaning, checking tyre pressure, maintaining chain tension, and changing the battery and oil
Professional servicing will help make sure your motorcycle stays in top condition, preventing costly repairs and preserving resale value

Keep it clean
Cleaning your motorcycle is about more than just appearances, it’s vital for keeping it in good condition:
It prevents rust and corrosion
Dirt and moisture causes rust, which can damage your bike’s metal components over time. Regular cleaning removes grime and helps protect against corrosion.
Enhances the bike's appearance
A clean, well-polished bike not only looks great but also holds its value better if you ever decide to sell.
Helps in identifying potential issues like leaks or cracks
Cleaning your bike gives you a chance to notice problems like leaks or cracks early on. Identifying these issues before they get worse can save you from expensive repairs.
Regularly check the tyre pressure
Keeping the right tyre pressure is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks for your bike. It enhances safety and handling by improving road grip and stability, as well as boosting fuel efficiency and extending the overall life of your tyres.
Maintain the correct chain tension
Your motorcycle chain transfers power from the engine to wheels, so it’s vital to keep it properly tensioned. It will protect against wear and tear, improve the overall performance and safety of your bike and extend its lifespan.
Change the battery and oil
Regularly changing your motorcycle’s battery and oil is essential for keeping the engine running smoothly. Fresh oil reduces friction and helps the engine perform more efficiently, as well as preventing breakdowns and extending engine life by preventing wear and tear.
Here’s how you do it:
Check the battery
Inspect for corrosion on the terminals and test the voltage with a multimeter. Replace the battery if necessary
Drain the old oil
Warm up the engine slightly, then drain the old oil to ensure a thorough flush
Replace the oil filter
Always change the filter when you change the oil to keep the new oil clean
Refill with fresh oil
Use the manufacturer-recommended oil type and grade for the best results
Dispose of old oil and batteries properly
Recycle old oil and batteries responsibly at the correct designated facilities
Check your lights
Fully functioning lights are critical for safety and road legality. Not only do they improve your visibility to others on the road, especially in poor weather, they also help you communicate what you’re doing to other drivers. They’re a legal requirement in the UK, so you’ll need working headlights, brake lights and indicators, so remember to check all lights and replace any fault bulbs immediately.
Book regular services
Even with regular maintenance at home, professional servicing is important - it’ll help keep your motorcycle in top condition. Mechanics are experts that conduct thorough inspections, so they can spot issues you might miss, preventing costly problems later on.
A full service history also helps you get a higher price for your bike if you decide to sell, so we’d recommend scheduling services based on your manufacturer’s recommendations.