Motorcycle maintenance

For safe riding, it's important that you inspect your
motorcycle before every journey and perform all the
maintenance required.

Pre-ride safety checks
You can perform basic safety checks yourself if you have the right tools. This will help you to understand your motorcycle and how it works. It’ll also help you diagnose problems you notice while you’re riding.

Brakes and brake fluid

Make sure your brake pads are not worn down to the limit and remember to check the brake fluid. No fluid means no brakes.

Chain and sprockets

Check the chain tension regularly according to your handbook, and make sure your sprockets don't have too much wear in them.

Clutch

Always check the free play in the clutch lever to make sure it’s correct. Check the level on the hydraulic clutches as you would the brake.

Coolant

This is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer, so keep it topped up.

Forks

Loss of oil in the fork seals will result in poor suspension performance so check for any leaks.

Lights

Check that all your lights are working, including indicators and stoplight. Make sure your headlight beam is positioned correctly too.

Oil

Regular changes work wonders for your bike and its longevity. Oil is your engine’s lifeblood.

Throttle check

Make sure the throttle opens and closes smoothly on all steering locations.

Tyres

Keep a look out for nails and bulges and make sure your tyres are always at the right pressure.

Stop in the name of safety

Use these tips to maintain your motorcycle’s braking system.

Maintaining your motorcycle’s brakes

Your brakes are your primary safety system – they allow you to stop quickly and avoid potential hazards. Keeping your brakes maintained gives you the confidence to ride in various conditions. You can find information on this page about how to check your brakes so you can stay safe on the roads. If you’re ever in doubt, pop along to your nearest Honda dealer and our expert technicians will check them over for you.

Common brake problems

Worn-out brake pads

Worn-out brake pads reduce your stopping power, putting you at risk when you need to slow down quickly in unexpected situations.

Air in brake lines

Air in your brake lines can cause a spongy brake feel, compromising your ability to stop precisely when you need it most.

Brake fluid leaks

Brake fluid leaks lead to a drop in braking efficiency, making your rides less predictable and more dangerous.

Warped brake rotors

Warped brake rotors cause vibrations and uneven braking, making it harder to stop smoothly and accurately when you need it most.

Do Your Brakes Need Bleeding?

Bleeding your brakes helps remove air from the brake lines, which restores firm pressure and improves braking response. It also ensures that fresh brake fluid is circulating, which helps keep your system working smoothly.

Look out for these signs that your brakes need bleeding. Never try to bleed your brakes yourself, this should only be carried out by a trained technician. If you have any concerns schedule a check up with your local Honda dealer.

Brake lever trainer is excessive

Brake lever feels spongy

Vibration when you brake

Frequently asked questions about maintaining your motorcycle’s brakes

How often should I check my motorcycle's brake pads?

You should check your brake pads every 1,000 miles or at least once a month, depending on how often you ride, to ensure they aren’t worn down to unsafe levels.

What are the signs that my motorcycle's brakes need servicing?

Common signs include squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy or unresponsive brake lever, and reduced braking power, all of which indicate that it's time for maintenance.

How do I know if my brake fluid needs to be changed?

Brake fluid should be clear or light coloured; if it appears dark or dirty, it may be time to replace it. Typically, you should replace your brake fluid every two years or as specified by your motorcycle's manufacturer.

Can I replace my motorcycle's brake pads myself?

No, we recommend all maintenance is carried out by qualified technicians only to ensure your motorcycle is kept in a safe condition.

What should I do if my brakes feel unresponsive or soft?

If your brakes feel unresponsive or soft, it could mean that there’s air in the brake lines or low brake fluid, which both require immediate attention. Take your motorcycle into your nearest Honda dealership to get it checked out.