What
was
true
more
than
80
years
ago
is
true
today.
Roads
and
motorcycles
are
a
lot
different
from
those
in
the
1920s.
But
the
need
for
proper
maintenance
and
preparation
is
just
as
important
as
ever,
especially
before
a
long
trip.
The
quality
of
the
time
we
spend
on
the
road
often
depends
on
what
we
do
in
the
garage.
A
quick,
pre-ride
routine
will
keep
your
Harley®
ready
and
your
mind
at
peace:
1.
Before
riding
your
motorcycle
at
any
time,
do
a
general
inspection
of
the
entire
bike
to
be
sure
it's
in
safe
riding
condition.
2.
You
can
start
by
checking
the
oil
and
filter
and
inspect
other
fluid
levels.
Harley-Davidson®
motorcycles
are
made
to
make
oil
changes
easy.
If
you
do
it
yourself,
don't
slack
off
on
the
maintenance
schedule.
And
make
sure
the
old
oil
is
properly
disposed.
It
should
be
sealed
in
an
approved
container
and
taken
to
a
legitimate
oil
disposal
facility.
3.
Next
you'll
want
to
check
the
controls
to
be
sure
they
operate
properly.
On
your
list
of
controls
to
inspect
should
be
the
front
and
rear
brakes,
throttle,
clutch
and
shifter.
You
should
also
examine
the
steering
for
smoothness
by
turning
the
handlebars
through
the
full
operating
range.
4.
Check
tire
pressure
often,
daily
when
you
are
touring,
and
always
using
a
good
gauge.
Consult
your
owners'
manual
for
correct
pressure
and
load
rating.
Air
pressure
can
change
with
the
air
temperature.
While
you're
at
it,
inspect
the
tires.
Replace
them
if
there's
less
than
50
percent
of
the
tread
left,
or
if
there's
any
cracks,
cuts
or
signs
of
distress.
Tires
should
be
changed
by
your
dealer.
They
are
expertly
trained
to
replace
tires
and
to
inspect
your
wheels.
5.
Check
for
any
fuel,
oil
or
hydraulic
fluid
leaks.
Give
the
cases
and
lines
a
once
over
to
make
sure
there
are
no
leaks.
6.
For
high-mileage
bikes,
inspect
the
drive
belt,
sprockets
and
brakes.
7.
Check
your
headlights,
directionals,
tail
light
and
brake
light
every
time
you
ride.
Not
only
do
they
help
you
see
where
you're
going,
but
they
are
your
best
way
of
being
seen
by
others.
If
a
light
is
out,
it
is
easy
to
change
yourself.
Consult
your
owners'
manual
and/or
service
manual
for
correct
type
and
removal
and
replacement
procedure.
If
replacing
a
headlight,
be
certain
the
beam
is
focused
properly.
8.
Before
you
start
riding,
sit
on
your
bike
and
take
a
look
in
the
mirrors
to
be
sure
they're
adjusted
properly.
Even
if
you
don't
think
you've
moved
the
mirrors,
do
a
quick
check
just
to
be
sure.
9.
You
can
double
the
life
of
your
battery
by
checking
and
correcting
its
water
level
regularly.
It's
as
easy
as
looking
at
it
with
a
flashlight
for
most
models.
In
warm
weather
climates,
check
the
water
level
on
a
regular
basis.
Otherwise,
every
2,500
miles
is
a
good
guideline.
For
those
who
can't
ride
as
often
as
they'd
like,
install
a
battery
charger
with
a
convenient
disconnect.
If
you
travel
often,
for
instance,
the
charger
will
help
you
avoid
a
dead-battery
homecoming.
10.
The
Harley-Davidson
Extended
Service
Plan™
prevents
a
breakdown
from
ruining
a
trip.
If
you
ever
get
stranded
on
the
road,
you'll
be
reimbursed
for
out-of-pocket
expenses*
you
pay
while
covered
repairs
are
being
made
to
your
bike,
including
car
rental
costs
and
pick-up
charges.
Plus,
if
you're
ever
stuck
overnight,
your
Harley-Davidson
Extended
Service
Plan
will
even
pick
up
the
tab
for
your
hotel
and
meals.*See
contract
for
complete
details.
11.
Doing
basic
maintenance
yourself
can
save
you
time
and
money
in
the
long
run,
but
don't
venture
into
the
land
of
do-it-yourself
if
it's
not
your
natural
habitat.
The
risks
just
aren't
worth
it.
If
you
are
the
least
bit
unsure,
go
see
the
experts
in
their
natural
habitat:
