How To Service Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle On The Road

If you frequently hit the open road, you'll eventually need to tackle motorcycle maintenance on your own. Even high-quality models can face unexpected issues, so it's important to be prepared. 

We've created the following beginner's guide to servicing your Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the road. If you want professional service or want to explore Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale, chat with the experts at Biggs Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is located in San Marcos, California, and we also proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside.

Make It Easy On Yourself

You can't prevent every maintenance situation from popping up. But you can take steps so that when situations arise, they are easier to fix. Stay on top of your motorcycle’s preventative maintenance schedule (which you can find in your owner's manual). These important tasks keep your motorcycle running well, reduce the chance of a maintenance issue, and reduce the severity of the maintenance issues that do creep up.

You'll also want to ensure you have the tools needed to handle maintenance issues that occur on the road. It's much easier, after all, to address a problem when you are equipped with the proper tools. Always bring along a basic repair kit on your rides. This should include items such as tire patches, wrenches, pliers, a fuel siphon, screwdrivers, and a portable air compressor.

Inspect Your Motorcycle Before You Hit The Road

Sometimes, maintenance issues are lurking beneath the surface before you leave your home. If you uncover these problems before you leave, you'll be able to address them from the convenience and safety of your driveway. It'll be much easier and safer than servicing your motorcycle on the road.

Before your ride, give your motorcycle a thorough inspection. Check everything from the fluid levels to tire air pressure to the lights. Look for any red flags so that you can fix them before your ride.

Prioritize Safety When You Tackle An Issue

Even with all of your prevention efforts, an issue may still happen in the middle of a ride. What now?

Start by safely and immediately getting out of traffic. In severe situations, your best bet may be to quickly park on the road's shoulder or the median. Ideally, you'll take the next exit and head over to the nearest parking lot. Your approach will depend on the severity of the maintenance issue. Whatever approach you take, be sure to signal to other motorists your distress. That way, they are more likely to see you and give you the space you need.

Next, you can take a minute to evaluate the situation more in-depth and decide what your next step will be. 

If you can answer yes to ALL of the following questions, then you can proceed servicing your motorcycle yourself:

• Do I have the knowledge needed for this repair?
• Do I have the experience needed for this repair?
• Do I have the right tools for this repair?
• Am I able to safely tackle the repair?

For example, you might have everything you need to service your motorcycle. But you are positioned on the shoulder of the freeway. This situation is too risky to proceed with a repair, so you'll want to enlist expert help. Your personal safety is the priority.

If you are on vacation out-of-town, call a tow truck service or a roadside assistance service. If you are in your hometown, you can call a riding buddy to take you to a nearby service department. Our expert staff, for example, is happy to repair your motorcycle and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

We hope you enjoyed this guide to servicing your Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the road. For more advice or to shop Harley motorcycles for sale, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson. Our friendly staff is ready to assist with whatever you need, including preventive maintenance, so stop by today. We also proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, CA.