Most serious mechanical problems on motorcycles have a simple origin: lack of basic maintenance. The good news is that many of the most important checks you can do yourself with basic tools, without needing to go to the shop.
The TCLOCS Pre-Ride Check (5 minutes)
T — Tires and Wheels: Check tire pressure when COLD. Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm legal, replace above 2mm for safety). Look for cracks, uneven wear, or deformations.
C — Controls: Front brake should have resistance from the first third of travel. Levers reaching the handlebar without resistance indicate air or extreme wear. Check that both front and rear brakes engage properly.
L — Lights and Electrics: Verify headlight (low and high beam), tail light, turn signals, and brake light (activated by both hand and foot brakes). A burned tail light can result in a rear-end collision.
O — Oil and Other Fluids: With the bike upright (not on side stand), oil should be between minimum and maximum marks on the sight glass. Check coolant level on liquid-cooled bikes.
C — Chain and Chassis: Chain should have 25-35mm of vertical play at its tightest point. A correctly lubricated chain is shiny — if dry and dark, it needs cleaning and lubricating.
S — Stands: Verify the side stand fully retracts and the center stand is secure.
Oil Change: The Most Important Task
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine. An engine without clean oil wears prematurely and can fail on the road.
Typical interval: every 5,000–8,000 km with semi-synthetic oil; every 8,000–12,000 km with 100% synthetic. Consult your bike's manual.
What oil to use: ALWAYS use the grade and type specified in the manual. A quality motorcycle-compatible oil (JASO MA2 for bikes with wet clutch) is essential — conventional car oil can damage the clutch.
Chain: Adjustment and Lubrication
A well-maintained chain lasts 20,000–30,000 km. A neglected one can break or come off, with serious consequences.
Lubrication: Every 500–800 km (or after rain). Use motorcycle-specific chain lubricant (O-ring or X-ring compatible).
When to Change Tires
- Tread depth less than 2mm
- Cracks in the sidewalls or tread
- Visible deformations or flat spots
- Strange vibration at high speed
- Tire is more than 5 years old even if it has tread (rubber hardens over time)