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Motorcycle service checklist: a guide for every rider
Updated: Wednesday, 27 September 2023
After buying a motorcycle, keeping up with servicing and maintenance is essential to ensure it remains roadworthy and enjoyable to ride.
Knowing what to check and when can be tricky though, especially if you’re new to the world of motorcycles. By regularly servicing your bike, you can also get the most out of it.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a motorcycle service includes to help you understand how to keep your bike in good condition for years to come.
What is a motorbike service?
Much like other types of vehicle servicing, motorbike services are when a mechanic or other qualified professionals examines your bike to ensure all its components are working as they should. Services tend to take place at a garage and last for a couple of hours.
During its service, the mechanics will carry out a full inspection of your bike and replace anything that they find to be broken or faulty.
Why is it important to get your motorbike serviced regularly?
The benefits of regularly servicing your motorcycle include:
- Helping to ensure your motorbike passes its MOT: getting a full service before your bike’s MOT is due can identify any issues that may result in it failing when tested.
- Reducing the risk of any accidents or breakdowns: by regularly servicing your bike, you ensure that all its components are in good working order, reducing the chances of being in an accident or breaking down.
- Increasing the lifespan of your motorbike: keeping up with maintenance will make it easier for you to fix any problems promptly before they’re allowed to worsen and cause lasting damage to your bike.
- Maintaining your bike’s value should you want to sell or part-exchange it: a well-maintained bike with a clear service history will usually hold its value better than one in poor condition.
- Making for a more enjoyable riding experience: keeping things like your bike’s tyres, clutch, handling, and suspension in check will mean any rides are far more comfortable.
Paul Denning, Team Principal at Pata Yamaha WorldSBK and Director of Crescent Moto Store, told Moneybarn just how crucial motorcycle servicing is.
After buying a motorcycle, keeping up with servicing and maintenance is essential to ensure it remains roadworthy and enjoyable to ride.
Knowing what to check and when can be tricky though, especially if you’re new to the world of motorcycles. By regularly servicing your bike, you can also get the most out of it.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a motorcycle service includes to help you understand how to keep your bike in good condition for years to come.
What is a motorbike service?
Much like other types of vehicle servicing, motorbike services are when a mechanic or other qualified professionals examines your bike to ensure all its components are working as they should. Services tend to take place at a garage and last for a couple of hours.
During its service, the mechanics will carry out a full inspection of your bike and replace anything that they find to be broken or faulty.
Why is it important to get your motorbike serviced regularly?
The benefits of regularly servicing your motorcycle include:
- Helping to ensure your motorbike passes its MOT: getting a full service before your bike’s MOT is due can identify any issues that may result in it failing when tested.
- Reducing the risk of any accidents or breakdowns: by regularly servicing your bike, you ensure that all its components are in good working order, reducing the chances of being in an accident or breaking down.
- Increasing the lifespan of your motorbike: keeping up with maintenance will make it easier for you to fix any problems promptly before they’re allowed to worsen and cause lasting damage to your bike.
- Maintaining your bike’s value should you want to sell or part-exchange it: a well-maintained bike with a clear service history will usually hold its value better than one in poor condition.
- Making for a more enjoyable riding experience: keeping things like your bike’s tyres, clutch, handling, and suspension in check will mean any rides are far more comfortable.
Paul Denning, Team Principal at Pata Yamaha WorldSBK and Director of Crescent Moto Store, told Moneybarn just how crucial motorcycle servicing is.
Getting your motorcycle serviced at least every 12 months is essential for ensuring its performance, handling, and roadworthiness. A professional service will check, maintain, or change all the critical elements – engine oil and filter, suspension, tyres, drive-chain, brake pads and fluids, air filter, coolant system and spark plug(s). They will also advise on any upgrades or replacements needed to keep your motorcycle running at its best.
From my experience working with road and racing bikes over the years, keeping up with general minor maintenance in-between services will help you to get the most out of your bike, ensure cheaper servicing costs and make every ride as enjoyable as possible..
Getting your motorcycle serviced at least every 12 months is essential for ensuring its performance, handling, and roadworthiness. A professional service will check, maintain, or change all the critical elements – engine oil and filter, suspension, tyres, drive-chain, brake pads and fluids, air filter, coolant system and spark plug(s). They will also advise on any upgrades or replacements needed to keep your motorcycle running at its best.
From my experience working with road and racing bikes over the years, keeping up with general minor maintenance in-between services will help you to get the most out of your bike, ensure cheaper servicing costs and make every ride as enjoyable as possible..
Motorcycle service checklists
The level of service your motorbike may need will depend on its make, age, and how many miles it has clocked since you last got it serviced. To give you an idea of what to expect when you take your motorbike in for its service, here’s a list of what different servicing levels check:
Interim motorcycle service checklist
An interim motorcycle service is essentially a basic inspection. This helps keep everything in check before it’s time for the bike’s full service.
Interim servicing typically includes an oil change, oil filter change, road test, and checks of your motorbike’s main components, including:
- Brake callipers and brake pads
- Wheel bearings
- Headlights and brake lights
- Chain function and lubrication
- Tyre pressure
- Clutch and throttle
Full motorcycle service checklist
A full motorcycle service is a far more comprehensive inspection of your bike. It involves a broader range of checks on top of those included in the interim service to identify any components that are not in good working condition.
These checks include:
Engine checks
- Checking and replacing the engine oil*
- Inspecting the oil and air filters, fitting replacements if needed
- Testing and replacing the spark plugs
- Testing, topping up, or replacing the coolants as required
*The oil grade used will depend on the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendation. Generally, you can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Chassis and brake checks
- Removing and cleaning the brake callipers
- Inspecting the brake pads, checking if any need replacing
- Degreasing the brake pistons
- Topping up or replacing the hydraulic brake fluid system
- Cleaning and lubricating all of your bike’s control cables, levers, and pivots (throttle, clutch, and brakes)
- Adjusting the throttle and clutch
- Checking the battery, fitting a replacement if needed
- Examining and tightening the steering head bearings
- Inspecting the front and rear suspension forks
- Checking and tightening all the engine mounting and chassis bolts
- Checking the wheel bearings
- Testing and lubricating the bike’s main and side stands
- Testing the headlight’s aim and focus, fitting a replacement bulb as required
- Checking the fuel hose
- Adjusting and lubricating the chain
Tyre checks
- Checking the tread depth of both tyres
- Inspecting for any signs of wear on the rubber
- Checking the pressure of both tyres, adding more air if needed
Road test
Once all the checks are complete, the engineer carrying out your full service usually takes your bike for a road test. This is for added peace of mind that you can ride knowing that everything is running smoothly, and your motorcycle is safe to ride.
Diagnostics
As part of a full service, your garage may also perform diagnostic tests on your bike’s electronics using fault-finding equipment. By plugging into your motorcycle’s wiring, a mechanic can check the health of its battery, fuel injection system, and immobiliser before resetting any warning lights and error codes.
Motorcycle servicing vs maintenance: what's the difference?
Maintaining your motorcycle regularly will help to ensure that your bike remains safe to ride on the road and reliable all year.
Carrying out routine maintenance will also help you identify any issues that may need professional attention before your bike’s next annual servicing is due.
Basic motorcycle maintenance checklist
If you’re a motorcycle owner, there are basic maintenance jobs you can do yourself on top of a professional service. Many of these checks are manufacturer-recommended to ensure your bike remains roadworthy between each MOT.
Like cars and other vehicles, motorcycles are complex machines with lots of working parts. If you need help performing any regular maintenance tasks, consult the manufacturer’s handbook or ask a professional for help.
Perform a general visual inspection of your bike
Walk around your motorcycle and examine it for any signs of corrosion or damage to the chassis. Also, check the headlight and indicators, ensuring both are in good condition.
Test and change the oil
Check the oil level using a dipstick once the engine is cool. It should be at the level specified in your owner’s manual and the correct colour; clear and pale amber, not dirty and black (you may need to replace it with new oil if this is the case).
Test and clean the brakes
If you notice any changes in your motorcycle’s brakes whilst riding, inspect them immediately. Check both brake pads for signs of wear, especially around the edges. Using a specialist cleaning solution, you can also clean your brake discs, callipers, and pistons.
Top up the fluids
Check the levels of your motorcycle’s brake fluids and engine coolant, refilling them as required.
Adjust, clean, and lubricate the chain
Over time, your bike’s chain can loosen, and the lubricant that keeps it moving smoothly can dry up. If a chain is too loose, it could slip off one of its sprockets, too tight, and it could snap. With your bike in neutral, manually move the chain with your fingers to check for around 3.5cm of movement.
Once you’re happy it is at the correct tension, clean any excess dirt from the chain and re-apply lubricant.
Check the tyre pressure and tread
Your motorcycle’s tyres must be at the correct pressure; otherwise, you risk compromising the bike’s handling. Similarly, tyres become worn after years of use, so keeping an eye on their tread is essential to ensure safe riding and remain road legal.
Use a digital pressure gauge to check the pressure (PSI) of your tyres according to the manufacturer’s recommended level and a tread gauge to check that there is at least 1mm tread depth around the circumference of both tyres.
Check the battery
You may need to charge your bike’s battery if you haven’t ridden for a prolonged period, such as over the winter. If your battery is completely dead, you may need to replace it.
Keep the bodywork clean
Like any vehicle, washing and drying your motorcycle regularly can help to prevent corrosion, rusting and general degradation of the bodywork.
Clear the exhaust of any debris
If you ride your motorcycle in muddy or wet conditions, dirt could enter the exhaust. This may cause it to backfire and lead to poorer fuel economy.
Replace the fuel
If you only ride your motorcycle in the summer months, and are keeping it in the garage or on your driveway during the winter, it’s a good idea to empty and refill the fuel tank during pre-season maintenance.
Motorcycle maintenance for a better road ahead
Whether you’re a seasoned rider with many years of experience or a complete beginner to the world of motorcycles, keeping on top of a regular maintenance checklist can help prolong your bike’s lifespan.
If you’re looking to buy a motorbike on finance and are struggling because of poor credit, we could help. We specialise in helping people get motorbike finance with bad credit and have helped thousands of people up and down the UK onto a better road ahead.
Representative 30.7% APR.
FAQs about motorcycle servicing
Can I service my motorcycle myself?
There are some basic motorbike maintenance tasks you could do yourself, such as visually inspecting your bike, and checking tyre pressure. If you aren’t confident in knowing what to check and how to fix any issues you spot, the best thing to do is take your motorbike to a garage for an inspection.
What tools do I need for motorcycle maintenance?
Here is a checklist of the equipment you will likely need in your garage to maintain your motorcycle correctly:
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Spark plug keys
- Allen keys
- Cloths or old rags for wiping away excess grease
Keep the owner’s manual handy as you might need to consult it, particularly for things like the correct oil grade.
How often do I need to get my motorcycle serviced?
Whilst there are no legal requirements to have your motorcycle serviced regularly, it’s recommended that you take it in for inspection at least once a year.
Riding a faulty or unreliable motorcycle can increase the chances of you being in an accident, so it’s essential to identify any issues promptly to keep it in good working condition. Many riders choose to get their motorbikes serviced to reduce the chance that they will fail their MOT.
Another good way to judge when it’s time to take your motorbike in for a service is by monitoring its mileage. Mechanics from Motorcycle Habit recommend getting your bike serviced every six months or after 4,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How much does a motorcycle service cost?
For a basic or interim service on a standard 125cc bike, you can expect to pay around £125, whilst the same service on a powerful or rare bike may cost up to £750. Note that the actual cost of getting your motorbike serviced will vary depending on the power of its engine and how rare a model it is. Costs may also vary depending on where in the country you are and the pricing structure of the garage you choose.
Motorcycle service checklists
The level of service your motorbike may need will depend on its make, age, and how many miles it has clocked since you last got it serviced. To give you an idea of what to expect when you take your motorbike in for its service, here’s a list of what different servicing levels check:
Interim motorcycle service checklist
An interim motorcycle service is essentially a basic inspection. This helps keep everything in check before it’s time for the bike’s full service.
Interim servicing typically includes an oil change, oil filter change, road test, and checks of your motorbike’s main components, including:
- Brake callipers and brake pads
- Wheel bearings
- Headlights and brake lights
- Chain function and lubrication
- Tyre pressure
- Clutch and throttle
Full motorcycle service checklist
A full motorcycle service is a far more comprehensive inspection of your bike. It involves a broader range of checks on top of those included in the interim service to identify any components that are not in good working condition.
These checks include:
Engine checks
- Checking and replacing the engine oil*
- Inspecting the oil and air filters, fitting replacements if needed
- Testing and replacing the spark plugs
- Testing, topping up, or replacing the coolants as required
*The oil grade used will depend on the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendation. Generally, you can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Chassis and brake checks
- Removing and cleaning the brake callipers
- Inspecting the brake pads, checking if any need replacing
- Degreasing the brake pistons
- Topping up or replacing the hydraulic brake fluid system
- Cleaning and lubricating all of your bike’s control cables, levers, and pivots (throttle, clutch, and brakes)
- Adjusting the throttle and clutch
- Checking the battery, fitting a replacement if needed
- Examining and tightening the steering head bearings
- Inspecting the front and rear suspension forks
- Checking and tightening all the engine mounting and chassis bolts
- Checking the wheel bearings
- Testing and lubricating the bike’s main and side stands
- Testing the headlight’s aim and focus, fitting a replacement bulb as required
- Checking the fuel hose
- Adjusting and lubricating the chain
Tyre checks
- Checking the tread depth of both tyres
- Inspecting for any signs of wear on the rubber
- Checking the pressure of both tyres, adding more air if needed
Road test
Once all the checks are complete, the engineer carrying out your full service usually takes your bike for a road test. This is for added peace of mind that you can ride knowing that everything is running smoothly, and your motorcycle is safe to ride.
Diagnostics
As part of a full service, your garage may also perform diagnostic tests on your bike’s electronics using fault-finding equipment. By plugging into your motorcycle’s wiring, a mechanic can check the health of its battery, fuel injection system, and immobiliser before resetting any warning lights and error codes.
Motorcycle servicing vs maintenance: what's the difference?
Maintaining your motorcycle regularly will help to ensure that your bike remains safe to ride on the road and reliable all year.
Carrying out routine maintenance will also help you identify any issues that may need professional attention before your bike’s next annual servicing is due.
Basic motorcycle maintenance checklist
If you’re a motorcycle owner, there are basic maintenance jobs you can do yourself on top of a professional service. Many of these checks are manufacturer-recommended to ensure your bike remains roadworthy between each MOT.
Like cars and other vehicles, motorcycles are complex machines with lots of working parts. If you need help performing any regular maintenance tasks, consult the manufacturer’s handbook or ask a professional for help.
Perform a general visual inspection of your bike
Walk around your motorcycle and examine it for any signs of corrosion or damage to the chassis. Also, check the headlight and indicators, ensuring both are in good condition.
Test and change the oil
Check the oil level using a dipstick once the engine is cool. It should be at the level specified in your owner’s manual and the correct colour; clear and pale amber, not dirty and black (you may need to replace it with new oil if this is the case).
Test and clean the brakes
If you notice any changes in your motorcycle’s brakes whilst riding, inspect them immediately. Check both brake pads for signs of wear, especially around the edges. Using a specialist cleaning solution, you can also clean your brake discs, callipers, and pistons.
Top up the fluids
Check the levels of your motorcycle’s brake fluids and engine coolant, refilling them as required.
Adjust, clean, and lubricate the chain
Over time, your bike’s chain can loosen, and the lubricant that keeps it moving smoothly can dry up. If a chain is too loose, it could slip off one of its sprockets, too tight, and it could snap. With your bike in neutral, manually move the chain with your fingers to check for around 3.5cm of movement.
Once you’re happy it is at the correct tension, clean any excess dirt from the chain and re-apply lubricant.
Check the tyre pressure and tread
Your motorcycle’s tyres must be at the correct pressure; otherwise, you risk compromising the bike’s handling. Similarly, tyres become worn after years of use, so keeping an eye on their tread is essential to ensure safe riding and remain road legal.
Use a digital pressure gauge to check the pressure (PSI) of your tyres according to the manufacturer’s recommended level and a tread gauge to check that there is at least 1mm tread depth around the circumference of both tyres.
Check the battery
You may need to charge your bike’s battery if you haven’t ridden for a prolonged period, such as over the winter. If your battery is completely dead, you may need to replace it.
Keep the bodywork clean
Like any vehicle, washing and drying your motorcycle regularly can help to prevent corrosion, rusting and general degradation of the bodywork.
Clear the exhaust of any debris
If you ride your motorcycle in muddy or wet conditions, dirt could enter the exhaust. This may cause it to backfire and lead to poorer fuel economy.
Replace the fuel
If you only ride your motorcycle in the summer months, and are keeping it in the garage or on your driveway during the winter, it’s a good idea to empty and refill the fuel tank during pre-season maintenance.
Motorcycle maintenance for a better road ahead
Whether you’re a seasoned rider with many years of experience or a complete beginner to the world of motorcycles, keeping on top of a regular maintenance checklist can help prolong your bike’s lifespan.
If you’re looking to buy a motorbike on finance and are struggling because of poor credit, we could help. We specialise in helping people get motorbike finance with bad credit and have helped thousands of people up and down the UK onto a better road ahead.
Representative 30.7% APR.
FAQs about motorcycle servicing
Can I service my motorcycle myself?
There are some basic motorbike maintenance tasks you could do yourself, such as visually inspecting your bike, and checking tyre pressure. If you aren’t confident in knowing what to check and how to fix any issues you spot, the best thing to do is take your motorbike to a garage for an inspection.
What tools do I need for motorcycle maintenance?
Here is a checklist of the equipment you will likely need in your garage to maintain your motorcycle correctly:
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Spark plug keys
- Allen keys
- Cloths or old rags for wiping away excess grease
Keep the owner’s manual handy as you might need to consult it, particularly for things like the correct oil grade.
How often do I need to get my motorcycle serviced?
Whilst there are no legal requirements to have your motorcycle serviced regularly, it’s recommended that you take it in for inspection at least once a year.
Riding a faulty or unreliable motorcycle can increase the chances of you being in an accident, so it’s essential to identify any issues promptly to keep it in good working condition. Many riders choose to get their motorbikes serviced to reduce the chance that they will fail their MOT.
Another good way to judge when it’s time to take your motorbike in for a service is by monitoring its mileage. Mechanics from Motorcycle Habit recommend getting your bike serviced every six months or after 4,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How much does a motorcycle service cost?
For a basic or interim service on a standard 125cc bike, you can expect to pay around £125, whilst the same service on a powerful or rare bike may cost up to £750. Note that the actual cost of getting your motorbike serviced will vary depending on the power of its engine and how rare a model it is. Costs may also vary depending on where in the country you are and the pricing structure of the garage you choose.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
