Owning a Harley Davidson is more than just buying a bike. It’s an investment and a lifestyle that celebrates the rich history and craftsmanship behind the manufacturer. Every time you hit the road on a Harley Davidson, you’re participating in decades of rich history.
Wanting to maximise the life of your Harley Davidson is normal. It’s a bike where you get out what you put in. So, if you want to extend the life of your Harley Davidson through proper maintenance and care, we’ve got the tips for you.
Keeping your bike in top shape is critical if you want a smooth and reliable ride. It’s also important for safety. The last thing you want is your Harley Davidson running into troubles on the open road.
Harley Davidson has a rich history, dating back over a century to 1903, when William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson founded the company. The pair shared an interest in mechanics and design, and together, they created the famous motorcycle brand that has survived for over 120 years.
Harley-Davidson was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers that survived the Great Depression. When it comes to being long-lasting, you can count on Harley-Davidson. It has become one of the most iconic motorcycle manufacturers, with a loyal following and renowned for product quality and design.
Maintenance That Extends Your Harley Davidson’s Life Span
So, whether you’ve bought a brand-new Harley Davidson motorcycle or a classic one that you want to keep running, regular maintenance is the key to extending its life span. Like any bike, regular maintenance is necessary.
If you have your own home workshop or decent-sized garage, it’s possible to DIY the maintenance. However, it does require investing in specialised tools and mechanic experience. If you’re not confident performing maintenance yourself, finding a workshop specialising in Harley-Davidson motorcycles is best.
As part of regular maintenance, it is important to frequently check your bike’s air filter, change the oil and filter, and routinely inspect the brakes and tyres.
It’s also important to clean your motorcycle regularly. How frequently you clean your bike will depend on how often you ride it, the conditions you ride in, and the type of Harley-Davidson you own.
Cleaning a motorcycle is for more than just cosmetics. It can help prevent rust, which can lead to safety issues. Cleaning a motorcycle is also the perfect opportunity to inspect it for any potential issues like leaks, loose bolts, and worn-out parts. With cleaning, we recommend:
- Always clean a bike after riding in harsh conditions, like muddy roads or during storms.
- For a frequent rider, try to clean your bike every two to three weeks. This will help combat rust and remove any dirt, dust, and debris.
- If you only ride your bike occasionally, a once-a-month clean would be okay if it isn’t in harsh conditions.
- Detailing and protective coats can help maintain a motorcycle’s paint and finish.
When it comes to keeping your engine running smoothly, regular oil changes are critical. Oil helps keep your engine well-lubricated and free from contaminants.
It’s recommended to change a motorcycle’s oil every 4,000 to 8,000 kilometres. The exact specifics will depend on your motorcycle’s make and model. You should always check in with your motorbike’s owner manual.
Checking your motorcycle’s brakes is a top priority. Every week or two, check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. Worn-out brakes can be hazardous and also impact the riding experience.
It’s important to replace brake pads when they become too thin. Under normal circumstances, brake fluid should be changed at least every two years.
Belt and Chain Care
Depending on the model of your Harley Davidson, it may have a belt or chain drive. This will need to be regularly inspected as part of your maintenance if you’re looking to extend your motorcycle’s life span.
Regularly check the belt or chain drive for wear, and ensure it is properly tensioned. If required, clean and lubricate it when necessary.
Battery
Without the battery, your motorcycle isn’t going to go anywhere. Taking care of your bike’s battery is just as important as the tyres and fluids. Always clean the battery terminals, use a trickle charger when storing your bike for long periods, and don’t drain your battery by leaving lights on.
Air Filter
The air filter in your bike ensures your engine receives clean air for optimal performance. A poorly maintained air filter can result in a range of issues, especially long-term. A general rule of thumb is to clean or replace your air filter every 8,000 to 14,000 kilometres.
Scheduled Servicing
When you buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, it should come with a scheduled servicing plan and instructions on how to maintain it. It’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how frequently you should get your motorcycle professionally serviced.
Harley Davidson Engine Life Expectancy
The engine life expectancy of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle will depend on a range of factors. These include the motorcycle’s model, maintenance routines, riding habits, and the environmental conditions where the bike is stored.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines are known to be highly durable and can last hundreds of thousands of kilometres under the right care. Typically, they can last 160,000 to 240,000 kilometres or even more without major issues.
Factors that can impact engine life include:
- Poor maintenance
- Riding style, like aggressive riding and overloading the bike
- High-performance modifications can cause unnecessary wear and tear
- Riding in harsh conditions like extreme heat or cold
Even if a motorcycle’s engine reaches its limit, it doesn’t mean it is done with. It’s possible to rebuild or replace the engine, and the bike can go back on the road again.
Harley Davidson Tyres Life Expectancy
Harley-Davidson tyres can last thousands of kilometres with good maintenance and riding styles. Motorcycle tyres, including Harley Davidson motorcycles, generally only need to be replaced every 5-6 years.
It’s important to inspect your tyres regularly. If the tread depth reaches 1.6mm or you notice any visible signs of wear or damage, it is time to replace them.
Tips For Riding That Increase A Harley Davidson’s Life Span
Extending your bike’s life span goes beyond just maintenance—riding style is also important. We’ve compiled a few tips to remember when riding to get the most out of your motorcycle long-term.
- Always warm up the engine before riding, especially in cold weather. Let your motorcycle idle for a few minutes. This will ensure oil is properly circulating and your engine has time to reach optimal temperature.
- Avoid riding aggressively. Sudden acceleration and deceleration, as well as high RPMs, can put a strain on your motorcycle, brake pads, and transmission.
- Never overload your motorcycle. Excessive weight can stress all the components, including the engine, tyres, and suspension.
- Where possible, avoid riding in extreme conditions. Extremely hot, cold, or dusty conditions can negatively impact your motorcycle’s components, like the engine.
Harley Davidson Performance Upgrades and Servicing at Taverner
At Taverner Motorsports, we’re experts when it comes to Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They’re our specific area of interest, and we have experience with major and minor motorbike servicing, performance upgrades, and helping people get the most out of their motorcycles.
Whether you’re looking to squeeze more power out of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle or looking for a team to perform regular maintenance, Taverner Motorsports is here to help. We have decades of experience in the industry and work with all Harley-Davidson models.
If you want to keep your bike in top condition and ensure your riding experience is as smooth as possible, contact us today and request a quote.