You don't need to be a mechanic, but you should know when something isn't right.

Let's be honest: when you're new to riding, there's already plenty to think about. Learning the controls, building confidence, watching traffic and trying not to stall at the lights.

But there are a few basic motorcycle maintenance checks every rider should know. Not because you need to start rebuilding engines in your shed, but because spotting a problem before you ride could save you a lot of trouble, and money.

I've spent years around motorcycles, from the workshop to the dealership floor, and one thing I want new riders to understand is this:

You don't need to fix everything yourself, but you do need to know what you're riding.

1. Check. Your. Chain.

Your motorcycle chain isn't going to clean itself.

If your bike has a chain drive, it needs the correct tension, lubrication and regular inspection. Neglect it and you can end up with premature wear, damaged sprockets and potentially a serious mechanical problem. I have seen bikes arrive at a workshop after a chain snapped due to poor maintenance and the end result is not pretty, for the bike OR the rider.

Before you ride, look for:

  • Rust, damaged links or links that don't move freely.
  • A chain that looks excessively dry or neglected.
  • Obvious signs of damage or unusual wear.
  • Slack that looks significantly different from what your owner's manual specifies.

Here's the important bit: there is no universal chain-slack measurement. The correct amount depends on your motorcycle, and some bikes have very specific procedures for checking it.

Don't just eyeball it, decide it looks about right and call it a day; check your manual.

If the chain looks damaged, has tight spots or appears incorrectly adjusted, get it inspected before riding. And if you're learning to maintain your chain, make sure the engine is switched off. Never put your fingers near a moving chain or rotating wheel.

MotoMuse tip: Knowing what to look for is the first step. You can learn the mechanical side as you go.

2. Stop guessing your tyre pressures

Your mate might have been riding for 20 years. That doesn't automatically make his tyre-pressure advice right for your bike.

Tyre pressure affects how your motorcycle handles, brakes and wears its tyres. Running the wrong pressure can compromise handling and damage the tyre.

Here's what to do:

  • Check the pressures when the tyres are cold.
  • Use the pressure recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer for your particular setup and load.
  • Check for cuts, cracks, bulges and embedded objects.
  • Look for uneven wear and check the tread-wear indicators.

In Queensland, motorcycle tyres must have at least 1.5 mm of tread across the primary tread pattern, subject to the applicable requirements. Don't wait until your tyres are at the legal minimum to start thinking about replacement.

If a tyre has a bulge, significant damage or a suspected puncture, don't assume it's safe just because it still holds air.

Your tyres are the only things connecting your bike to the road. They're worth paying attention to.

3. Check your lights before you become invisible!

You know what's embarrassing? Finding out your brake light doesn't work when someone's following you.

More importantly, working lights help other road users see you and understand what you're doing.

Before heading out, check:

  • Headlight.
  • Tail light.
  • Front and rear brake lights.
  • Indicators.
  • Horn.

Make sure the lights are clean and visible, and test that the brake light comes on when you operate both the front brake and rear brake.

If something isn't working, investigate it before you ride. A faulty light might be a simple fix, but don't assume it's just a blown globe without checking, it can also be loose wiring, fuse etc.

It's a quick check

A few seconds in the driveway beats discovering a problem halfway down the road.

4. Found a puddle under your bike?

A small patch of fluid under your motorcycle isn't something to ignore.

It could be harmless condensation in some circumstances, but it could also indicate an oil, coolant, brake-fluid or other leak. You need to establish what it is before deciding what to do next.

Get familiar with where your bike's fluid reservoirs, oil-level checks and visible hoses are located.

Check your owner's manual for the correct procedure to inspect:

  • Engine oil level.
  • Coolant level, if your motorcycle is liquid-cooled.
  • Visible hoses and connections.
  • Signs of fresh fluid leaks around the engine, forks and braking system.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for checking oil. Some motorcycles require the engine to be warm, others have different procedures, and the bike may need to be positioned in a particular way.

Check coolant only when the engine is cold, and never open a hot cooling system.

If you find a leak, don't keep topping up the fluid and hoping for the best. If the leak could affect braking, engine operation or safe handling, don't ride until the problem has been assessed.

Knowing where to look is a great starting point.

5. Brakes are not the place to wing it

If there's one part of your motorcycle you should never take chances with, it's your brakes.

Before riding, check that the front and rear brakes operate normally and that the controls feel as they should.

Look for obvious damage to the brake discs and accessible pads, and check for any visible fluid leaks.

Pay attention to changes such as:

  • A brake lever or pedal that feels different from usual.
  • A spongy lever or unusually excessive travel.
  • Grinding, squaeking noises or obvious damage.
  • Reduced braking performance.
  • A brake warning light or other unexpected warning.

Don't assume a strange noise is harmless or that a soft lever will sort itself out.

If the brakes don't feel right, don't ride the bike until the issue has been checked by a qualified motorcycle mechanic.

You do need to recognise when your brakes might not be safe.

There's no shame in asking for help.

6. Make a pre-ride walk-around part of your routine

This is one of the simplest habits you can build as a new rider.

Before every ride, take a moment to walk around your motorcycle and look for anything that seems out of place.

Your quick pre-ride checklist

  • Tyres: Check condition, visible damage and pressure.
  • Chain or drive system: Check for obvious damage and correct condition.
  • Brakes: Make sure the controls feel normal and nothing looks damaged.
  • Lights and indicators: Confirm they work.
  • Horn: Give it a quick test.
  • Fluids: Check for leaks and any levels due for inspection.
  • Steering and suspension: Look for obvious damage or anything that feels unusual.
  • Registration: Make sure it's current and your number plate is secure and visible.

This isn't a substitute for scheduled servicing or a thorough mechanical inspection. It's an extra layer of awareness that helps you notice when something has changed.

You might spot a loose component, a damaged tyre or a fresh leak before you ever leave the driveway.

Your Beginner Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

Save this list and use it as a reminder before your next ride.

  • Check tyre condition and pressure.
  • Check chain condition and slack, if applicable.
  • Check headlights, tail light, brake lights and indicators.
  • Check that the horn works.
  • Check that front and rear brakes feel normal.
  • Look for fluid leaks or visible damage.
  • Check steering and suspension for anything unusual.
  • Confirm your registration is current.
  • Follow your motorcycle's scheduled maintenance requirements.

If you notice damage, a leak or anything that could affect safe operation, get it checked before riding.

For Queensland-specific guidance, consult the Queensland Motorcycle Riders' Guide.

One Last Thing.

You don't have to know everything about motorcycles on day one.

Every experienced rider started somewhere. Asking questions, learning the basics and getting comfortable with your own bike are all part of becoming a more confident rider.

Don't let anyone make you feel stupid for not knowing something. But don't let embarrassment stop you from learning, either.

Start with the basics. Build good habits. Ask for help when you need it.

And remember:

You don't need to be a mechanic. You just need to know your bike well enough to know when something isn't right.

That's what being an informed rider is all about.

— Luce, MotoMuse

Disclaimer: MotoMuse provides general educational information, not a substitute for your motorcycle manufacturer's instructions or professional mechanical advice. Maintenance procedures and specifications vary between models. Always follow your owner's manual and consult a qualified motorcycle mechanic if you're unsure about your bike's safety.

Keep Learning with MotoMuse

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