Motorcycle Maintenance on the Road

All motorcycle riders should be prepared to handle a sudden maintenance problem on the road. Unfortunately, you can’t predict everything, so it’s best to be prepared. At Boston Harley-Davidson, we want you to be ready for anything. That’s why we’ve created the following guide with advice for handling motorcycle maintenance on the road. Keep reading for more information, and contact us at our Revere, Massachusetts location with any questions. We also proudly serve Boston and Malden!

Prevention Strategies

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to riding your bike. The first key to avoiding maintenance on the road is to maintain your motorcycle well. Check the owner’s manual for what tasks you should be doing and how often you should be doing them. The better you are with general upkeep, the less likely you are to encounter a problem on the road.

We also suggest looking over your bike before you hit the road. You’ll be able to see if there are any issues that could end up causing a problem, like low fluid levels or faulty brakes. Discovering these problems before you leave will be much better than on the road.

Preparation 

Now that you’ve done what you can to prevent a maintenance issue, it’s time to prepare for one. Always keep a toolkit with you as you ride. You’ll be able to easily make minor motorcycle repairs without needing to call a mechanic. A basic toolkit should include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tire patches, a fuel siphon, and a portable air compressor. Make sure you’re familiar with these tools and how to use them.

Handling a Maintenance Situation on the Road

You can’t avoid every possible maintenance problem on the road, so we’ve compiled a list of tips for handling a situation when it arises.

The first step to take when you notice a problem on the road is to get out of traffic as quickly and as safely as you can. This means pulling over immediately or taking the next exit. Signal your distress to other motorists.

The next step is to decide what you want to do. If you can handle a maintenance repair on the road, go for it. Keep in mind that you need to be in a safe place in order to do so. If you aren’t able to do the repair, enlist help to get you to a service department. This could be a friend or a local roadside assistance service.

We hope this guide helps you successfully perform motorcycle maintenance on the road! If you have any questions or you’re looking to buy a new bike, call Boston Harley-Davidson today. We are located in Revere, Massachusetts and serve Boston and Malden too. We look forward to helping you have a successful ride every time!