Maintenance schedule for your Chopper or Bobber

Though the specifics will likely vary from bike to bike, the overall highly recommended thing to do apart from your regular checks for things like tire condition and oil levels is that every 3.000 to 6.000 km you will need carry out some deeper servicing. The following is a list of general maintenance timeframes and mileage intervals that apply broadly to a large number of motorcycles choppers.

Routine checks

When carrying out routine checks you will be examining parts that you should check every month, every couple of weeks or if necessary every ride. However, you may not have to perform any maintenance on these systems but, they are so essential to the functioning of your chopper that it’s crucial to keep checking them. These six crucial routine checks are:

1. Oil

Before taking your chopper for a ride, check the oil levels and make sure that they are high enough. If you don’t have enough oil in your system it can lead up to some serious problems. when checking your oil levels, its important that you remember to check the oil levels when the oil is cold, and while doing so keep the bike level. Keep the oil tank free from any dirt or other forms of waste because, when dirt particles enter the cylinders they can grind between the pistons and the cylinder walls, which will degrade both the piston rings and the walls themselves.

In addition to that, the oil and oil filters need to be replaced at regular intervals. This will be mentioned in the in depth service schedule and, make sure to use a motorcycle engine oil that’s up to or even exceeds EO specs.

2. Tires

When your tires are under or over-inflated, you can risk facing a fatal blowout while on the road. Its important to check the pressure in your tires with a pressure gauge and keep the psi within the acceptable parameters. The psi parameters are laid out in the owner’s manual. In addition to that, checking your tire condition on a regular basis is also important. While riding your chopper your tires will wear out over time so, asses the health of the thread and the overall wear and presence of foreign objects.

3. Batteries

Its not always mandatory to check your motorcycle battery more than once a month, but do check it every once in a while. Make sure that the battery is charged, and is free from external grime and internal sediment buildup. Moreover, take some time to inspect the battery’s cables and clamps to ensure there is no damage or any faulty connections that could hamper proper functioning.

4. Drive system

The drive system will require routine checks to determine that it isn’t damaged whether you have a chain, belt or shaft drive. Just check to see nothing’s out of the ordinary and make sure its clean.

Belts and shafts don’t need that much maintenance apart from ensuring they have the right tension. Chains however sometimes need some lubricant, inspecting of the sprockets and checking the tension. For the specific details on how to keep your drive system in proper shape you can find it in the owners manuals.

5. Brakes

When brake fluid only has to be changed every one or two years, the brake pads need regular inspection. The brake pads are a major part of maintaining your choppers brake system, and you should make sure that their thickness has not word away. Letting the break pads wear down to the metal can lead to a pricy replacement.

6. Fuel system

Just like the brake fluid, parts like fuel filters normally only need to be replaced ever one or two years. However, what you should do on a monthly basis is making sure the fuel filter is clean and unclogged. Plus, check the fuel lines for any indication of damage or cracks, and its always better to be prepared an ready to replace them when they’ve become worn out.

Chopper or Bobber Service schedule

Motorcycles need servicing of various systems at a particular milage/time intervals. Generally speaking Japanese bikes need less maintenance than European or USA bikes, but the owner’s manual will tell your bikes precise details. Here is a general idea of what most of you can expect from the first time you take your chopper for a ride.  

IMPORTANT: Do note that this is a general idea for maintenance. Please, ALWAYS read your owner's manual and/or ask a certified mechanic for advice when needed.

1,000 Miles or 1 Month

• Fluid check
• Coolant check
• Lubricant check
• Tire check
• Drive check
• Exhaust check
• Brake check
• Clutch check
• Engine oil/filter replacement

5,000 Miles or 6 Months

• Side stand check* Battery check
• Turn signal check
• Brake/clutch lever lubrication
• Cable check/lubrication
• Chain check/lubrication
• Fuel system check/replacement
• Exhaust check/replacement
• Air filter check/replacement
• Clutch check/replacement
• Cooling system check/replacement

10,000 Miles or 12 Months

• Side stand check
• Battery check
• Turn signal check
• Wheel bearing check
• Shock system check
• Spoke check
• Brake/clutch lever lubrication
• Cable check/lubrication
• Chain check/lubrication
• Engine oil/filter replacement
• Spark plug replacement
• Fuel system check/replacement
• Exhaust check/replacement
• Air filter check/replacement
• Clutch check/replacement
• Cooling system check/replacement

15,000 Miles or 18 Months

• Side stand check
• Battery check
• Turn signal check
• Wheel bearing check
• Shock system check
• Spoke check
• Brake/clutch lever lubrication
• Cable check/lubrication
• Chain check/lubrication
• Spark plug replacement
• Fuel system check/replacement
• Exhaust check/replacement
• Air filter check/replacement
• Clutch check/replacement
• Cooling system check/replacement

20,000 Miles or 24 Months

• Check of all systems
• Engine oil/filter replacement
• Spark plug replacement
• Wheel bearing replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Brake and clutch fluid replacement
• Coolant replacement

After those 24 months the servicing schedule basically repeats itself, at least for the most part. Making sure you continue servicing your chopper at those specific milage/ time intervals is important to ensure your chopper is functioning properly and has a long lasting lifetime.

Last but not least, when you have aftermarket parts and accessories they may need some extra checks and make sure all the bolts etc. are tight. If you like hitting the race track parts will wear down faster and you will have to carry out some additional maintenance checks to keep your chopper in good shape