Now that you’ve got yourself a fancy bike, more than just good looks it needs to ride better. So how do you keep it running well day in and out? Simple answer is regular servicing that will keep it performing at its peak and be safe and problem free. A well maintained motorcycle is not a hazard to you, your pillion or other road users.

Why the need for a service?

Firstly you will be assured that nothing will fall off the bike considering its a chassis and an engine in between your legs travelling at high speeds. All essential checks will give you a peace of mind when travelling.

Secondly, it increases the life of a motorcycle. Regularly changing engine oil means you can run that engine more than 100,000 kms without any hiccups or performance drops over time.

What goes into a service

There are different levels of service required and these are generally based on the time or the Kilometers the motorcycle has covered. We have broken it down as minor service, Annual (every 10,000 km) and a Major or full service (every 20,000km).

A minor service is a simple service where the focus is on checking the fluids and cleaning and lubricating the chain. This can be done by yourself.

An annual service or yearly service checks fluids and replaces and tops up these. Checks are made to every moving part as well as brakes and bolts.

The 2 yearly or major service is a more detailed and involved service that looks at inspecting the engine as well as replacement of some parts and adjustments.

*Note every manufacturer has their own set of maintenance items pls refer to that.

Download Triumph Service Checklist

Every 300 km

• Check, adjust, clean and lubricate the drive chain

Every 800 km

• Check the drive chain for wear and stretch and the sprockets for wear

Every 10,000 km or 12 months

• Change the engine oil and filter and check the oil cooler
• Check the engine management system
• Check and adjust the throttle cables
• Check the cooling system
• Check the fuel system
• Check the suspension
• Check the sidestand, centre stand (where fitted), and starter safety circuit
• Check the brake pads
• Check the brake system and brake light switch operation
• Check the tightness of all nuts, bolts and fasteners
• Check the condition of the wheels, wheel bearings and tyres
• Check the clutch
• Check the spark plugs
• Check/adjust engine idle speed and throttle body synchronisation
• Check and adjust the steering head bearings
• Check and adjust the camshaft timing

Every 20,000 km or two years

• Carry out all the items under the 10,000 km check, plus the following
• Change the coolant
• Lubricate the swingarm and suspension linkage bearings
• Change the brake fluid
• Fit new spark plugs
• Lubricate the steering head bearings
• Fit a new air filter element
• Check and adjust the valve clearances
• Lubricate the clutch and brake levers, gear change lever linkage, brake pedal pivot
• and sidestand pivots and the throttle and clutch cables
• Check the secondary air injection system

Every 40,000 km

• Carry out all the items under the 20,000 km check, plus the following
• Change the front fork oil

Every four years

• Fit new fuel system hoses

Non-scheduled maintenance

• Fit new brake hoses
• Fit new brake master cylinder and caliper seals
• Check the battery
• Check and adjust the headlight aim

Why does this matter?

Having a well serviced bike means your bike is running well and will fetch you top money when you go to sell it if it’s been maintained and serviced periodically. Here’s a good take away, you would find more value in a bike that’s done 50,000 km with a history of regular service than a bike ridden for 10,000 km with a chain that’s never cleaned.