Motorcycle Maintenance 101: Harley-Davidson® Scheduled Maintenance
The motorcycle service schedule for a Harley-Davidson® depends on the model and year, but there is a standard maintenance interval that applies to most Harley models, especially the Touring, Softail, Sportster, and Dyna lines. Sticking to this schedule will keep your Harley running smoothly and save you costly repairs down the line, whether you perform the service yourself or take your bike to a shop.
Initial Break-In Service (First 1,600 km / 1,000 miles)
- Change engine oil and filter
- Inspect critical fasteners
- Check and adjust clutch and throttle
- Inspect brakes and brake fluid
- Check tire pressure and tread
- Inspect primary chaincase fluid
- Check and adjust belt tension (if applicable)
- Inspect fuel lines and exhaust system
Every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
- Change engine oil and filter
- Inspect air filter; replace if necessary
- Inspect and lubricate throttle, clutch, and brake controls
- Check battery and charging system
- Inspect brake pads, rotors, and fluid
- Inspect tire condition and pressure
- Check and adjust primary chain (if applicable)
- Inspect drive belt or chain
- Lube steering head bearings (if needed)
- Check and tighten critical fasteners
Every 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
- All items in the 8,000-km checklist
- Replace spark plugs
- Change primary chaincase lubricant
- Inspect fuel system connections and lines
- Perform safety inspection and road test
Every 32,000 km (20,000 miles)
- All items in the 16,000-km checklist
- Change transmission fluid
- Inspect fork oil and service front forks (if needed)
Annual Maintenance (or every 8,000 km, whichever comes first)
- Flush and replace brake fluid (recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage)
- Inspect charging system
- Check coolant (if applicable, for liquid-cooled models)
- Inspect suspension components
- Check all lights, horn, and electrical systems
Notes:
- For Pan America and Revolution Max engine models, the schedule differs slightly due to the liquid-cooled engine.
- Always refer to the owner's manual or a certified Harley-Davidson dealer for exact intervals, especially for newer or special edition models.
Tips and Tricks:
Even if you don't plan to service your Harley yourself, being knowledgeable about your bike's bits and bobs will go a long way in keeping it in peak condition between scheduled service visits.
- Clean your battery terminals with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect pivot points and moving parts for wear, binding, or unusual movement.
- Use a multimeter to check the battery's standing voltage at each terminal.
- Check for fork seal leaks or any sign of fluid pooling under the bike.
- Inspect your fuses and make sure you have spares on hand.
If you have questions about motorcycle maintenance, please don't hesitate to contact us here or give us a call at 1-800-665-3121. To schedule a service appointment, fill out this form and let us know how we can help!