Not only are Harley-Davidson bikes the quintessential American motorcycle for hitting the open road, they also present owners with an excellent investment opportunity that may increase in value dramatically so long as the vehicle is properly maintained. Once you have finally gotten your Harley-Davidson motorcycle off of the lot and into your garage, it is up to you to maintain the appearance and performance of your bike so that it will retain its value for many years to come. Here is what you need to know about caring for Harley-Davidson motorcycle so that it continues to operate at peak condition while consistently going up in value over time.
One of the best ways to ensure that your Harley-Davidson motorcycle retains its value is to simply have it serviced by a qualified motorcycle mechanic on a routine basis. When it comes to Harley-Davidson bikes, there are some incredible motorcycle mechanics out there who love these vehicles so much that they would service the bikes for free if they had to. By taking some time to track down some local motorcycle mechanics in your area who truly love Harley-Davidson bikes, you will know that your motorcycle is being serviced with the respect that it deserves.
However, there are plenty of things that every rider can do to keep their Harley-Davidson motorcycle in good condition. Regardless of the degree of your technical background in automotive maintenance and repair, simply following a set pre-ride checklist of items to inspect every time that you are ready to ride your bike will keep your motorcycle riding smooth for many years.
First, be sure to check your oil and filters as often as possible. Nearly all Harley-Davidson motorcycles have their oil stored in a very accessible location, and it is easy to become an expert on changing your oil and filters with a little bit of practice. Next, always perform a quick visible inspection of your automobile before taking a ride to see if anything looks unusual or in poor condition. Be sure to keep a tire gauge with you if you are traveling over a long distance, and check your tire pressure at least once a day if you are riding your Harley-Davidson on a daily basis. Depending on how hot it is in your region during the late spring and summer, your water levels should also be checked with a flashlight every 1500 to 2500 miles.
The more often that you use your bike, the more regularly you will need to have a few common items replaced. In order to protect both your investment and the safety of your ride, your tires should be replaced as soon as they show signs of cracking or more than half of the tread has been worn off. Having your tires replaced is one of the few times that it is really necessary to take your bike to an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for maintenance, as these mechanics have the tools and the expertise to make sure that your new tires are installed correctly. On older bikes, keep a close eye on your drive belt and breaks, and have these items replaced immediately once they show signs of distress. Items like headlights and brake lights can usually be done on your own so long as you follow the directions contained in your owner’s manual.