Additional Maintenance – Services for Harley Davidson Bikes Explained

Preventive maintenance refers to the routine and proactive maintenance performed to ensure the continued proper functioning of your motorcycle, helping to prevent unexpected failures and costly repairs. This practice often involves replacing parts before they show signs of wear or failure, even when the component appears to be in working condition. While some components may fail suddenly, others may exhibit subtle signs of wear before completely malfunctioning.

Our preventative maintenance recommendations are exactly that -recommendations. The decision to follow these guidelines ultimately rests with the customer. While routine services are performed at regular intervals, additional maintenance tasks may be recommended based on time, mileage, or specific conditions, as outlined by the Harley-Davidson Motor Corporation.

Save this number on your Phone:  066 261 5432

• New Harley: Initial Service and Oil Change
  For a new Harley, we recommend performing the first oil change and inspection between 1,500 km and 1,800 km to ensure the engine is running smoothly and to address any potential issues early.

• Ongoing Service Intervals
  Your Harley should undergo its first comprehensive service and inspection at 8,000 km. After this initial service, we suggest servicing your bike at least every 8,000 km if it remains in standard condition. If performance upgrades have been made or if you are an aggressive rider, servicing should occur every 6,000 km. Alternatively, if your annual mileage is under 6,000 km, an annual oil change and full inspection are essential to maintain optimal performance and ensure the longevity of your bike.

• Wheel Bearing Maintenance
  The front and rear wheel bearings should be replaced approximately every 30,000 km, with subsequent replacements at 30,000 km intervals thereafter. Regular maintenance of these components is crucial for smooth performance and to prevent any unforeseen issues.

• Front Fork Maintenance
  We recommend changing the front fork oil at 40,000 km. Additionally, a complete front fork service, including oil replacement and seal inspection, should be performed at 50,000 km. If any fork seals are damaged or leaking, they should be promptly replaced to maintain proper fork function and ensure safety.

• Tripple tree bearings
  Inspecting, servicing, and replacing these bearings is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety. We recommend an inspection/replacement of the triple tree bearings at regular intervals, typically every 50 000km. Look out for signs of wear, such as play or looseness in the fork, difficulty in steering or a “sticky”-“Nodgy” feeling and unusual noises (like clunking or grinding sounds when turning or braking).If the bike is involved in an accident or experiences pothole damage, that could potentially damage the triple tree bearings. Let us inspect them immediately and replace them if necessary.

• Tire and Brake Pad Maintenance
  Tires and brake pads should be inspected at every service. Typically, rear tires are replaced around 16,000 km, and front tires at approximately 32,000 km. Even if the tread appears sufficient, the rubber can degrade over time, affecting performance and safety. Therefore, it is highly recommended to replace tires at the suggested intervals, regardless of tread depth, to maintain optimal handling and safety.

• Clutch adjustment/inspection
  For a Harley-Davidson, clutch adjustment and inspection are crucial for smooth performance and rider comfort. It should typically be done every 5,000 to 7,500 km, or as specified in your owner’s manual. It is very important to let us know whenever you notice symptoms like slipping, dragging, or unusual noises from the clutch. Clutch adjustment ensures proper clutch engagement and disengagement, preventing wear on clutch plates and other components. Incorrect adjustment can lead to premature wear or difficulty shifting gears. Inspecting the clutch helps identify worn or damaged parts, such as clutch plates, springs, or bearings, allowing for timely replacement and preventing more costly repairs down the line.

• Ignition Switch Maintenance (Tank-Mounted)
  For bikes with the ignition switch mounted on the tank, we recommend cleaning and refurbishing the switch every 40,000 km, or sooner if necessary. This maintenance is crucial due to potential water contamination and rust buildup, which can compromise the switch’s functionality.

• Battery Maintenance
  To extend the life of your battery and avoid regular replacements, we suggest conducting a battery check and performing a shock charge (max amps) every three months, even if the bike is connected to a trickle charger. Properly maintained batteries can last between 3 to 6 years, while poorly maintained ones often require replacement within the first year.

• Drive Belt Replacement at 100,000 km
  When your bike reaches 100,000 km, we recommend replacing the drive belt, even if no visible damage is present. Regular replacement ensures reliability and prevents unexpected failures.

• Swingarm Bearings
  Harleys generally weigh between 275kg and 550kg, so the two small swingarm bearings at the rear of the bike work very hard. They generally get dry and start to wear fast.  These bearings should be inspected and or lubed – replaced at the same time that a new belt install is done – roughly 100 000km. This keeps the Harley riding true and steady.

• Brake Fluid Change
  Brake fluid should be replaced at least annually. However, more frequent changes are advisable if the bike is stored for extended periods or if you regularly ride long distances.

• Pre-Trip and Storage Inspection
  We strongly recommend bringing your Harley in for a thorough inspection before long trips or after extended storage periods. The inspection should cover key components such as lubrication and coolant levels, tire condition, and battery health. While these elements may appear fine at first glance, they can require attention to ensure optimal performance and safety. Addressing any issues beforehand will help avoid complications on the road.

• 88Ci Cam Chain Tensioners (2000-2005 Models)
  The 88Ci cam chain tensioners, fitted to bikes from 2000 to 2005 (mostly 88Ci), are a known vulnerability. Although they have been upgraded on 2006 and newer models, we highly recommend inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the tensioners every 30,000 km. The replacement tensioners are made from higher-quality materials but still require regular inspection and replacement.

• 110 CVO Hydraulic Lifters
  Hydraulic lifters on 110 CVO models are a potential weak point that can be addressed through preventative maintenance. We recommend replacing the hydraulic lifters every 50,000 km or when they become noisy. If the ticking sound has already started, it is essential to replace both the hydraulic lifters and the camshafts. Using high-quality fully synthetic oil is critical to reducing strain on these components. While various theories exist regarding oil and hydraulic lifter failure, we can confirm that using the best oil available is essential for minimizing issues.

These services are designed to maintain your bike in optimal condition, extend its lifespan, and ensure a thorough service history. By adhering to the suggested preventative maintenance schedules, you can minimize the risk of unplanned downtime and preserve the reliability of your bike.

For your convenience, we maintain a comprehensive service history for your bike. If you are unsure about your next service or preventative maintenance due, please feel free to contact us for more information – Send us a WhatsApp on 066 261 5432 with the current mileage and your bike’s registration number!

Harley Davidson Models

• Harley Davidson Road King / Touring models
• Harley Davidson Sportster 
• Harley Davidson Dyna
• Harley Davidson Softail
• Harley Davidson V-Rod
• Harley Davidson CVO
• Harley Davidson Street
• Harley Davidson Glide

Servicing, Repairs & Maintenance

• Essential Annual Servicing
• Minor Service
• Major Service
• Brake Discs & Pads
• Clutch Replacement 
• Cam Replacement / upgrade
• Engine Rebuilding
• & more…

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Harley Servicing & Preventative Maintenance Explained

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Harley Davidson Performance Upgrade Options

Dyno Tuning & Dyna Testing Services

Dyno tuning and Dyna testing services can be carried out when your Harley is in for a service or repairs, or you can take advantage of our state of the art dynamometer and leave knowing that your Hog is tuned and running as good as it can!

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