Basic maintenance:

No matter how far you are travelling, whether down to the local shop or to the other side of the continent, a breakdown is a part of riding that is most unwelcome.

There are some basic checks that anyone can perform that can help prevent or provide early detection of problems.

Some are easily fixed and some will require the help of your mechanic. No matter what, the roadside is not the first workshop of choice.

Here is a checklist that you can use as a guide. It will help remind you of the basic items. These are basic checks that any rider can do.

Your owners manual will hold something similar & will include the recommended check intervals.

If you don’t have one, consider buying a Haynes or Clymer after market manual.

If any of this seems daunting - consider a basic motorcycle mechanics course. Your local Tafe college can often help, or some local mechanics run short courses.

Fellow members can often help. If in doubt please take up your mechanical concerns with your local mechanic. Your safety and riding pleasure will benefit.