Cruiser

The Complete Cruiser Motorcycle Maintenance Guide

Whether you ride a Harley-Davidson Sportster, Indian Scout, Yamaha Bolt, Honda Rebel, or Kawasaki Vulcan, this guide covers cruiser and touring motorcycle maintenance from end to end. We include oil and filter changes, belt or chain drive service, tire care, brake inspections, battery maintenance, and seasonal storage prep. Select your riding style below (weekend cruising, daily commuting, or long-distance touring) and get a schedule matched to your miles and conditions.

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Intervals Calibrated for Real-World Riding

These intervals are based on data from major cruiser manufacturers, adjusted for how people actually ride, not worst-case manufacturer specs. Use the rider profile selector above the schedule to match your riding style. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual for model-specific requirements, as your manufacturer knows your machine best. For intervals tailored to your exact machine, download LookOver free on iOS and Android.

Complete Maintenance Schedule

Miles-based intervals for cruiser and touring motorcycles. Adjust for your riding frequency and conditions.

Service Task	Interval
Engine
Cam Chain / Tensioner Inspect	Every 100 hours or 8,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Idle Speed Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Spark Plug Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Throttle Operation / Freeplay Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Valve Clearance Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Change Replace	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Oil Filter Replace	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Spark Plug Replace Replace	Every 100 hours or 8,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission & Clutch
Chain Slider / Guide Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Clutch Lever Freeplay Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Drive Chain Inspect / Adjust Inspect	Every 5 hours or 500 miles or 1 month
Sprockets Inspect Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Drive Chain Lubricate Service	Every 1 race or 3 hours
Clutch Fluid Replace Replace	Every 8,000 miles or 12 months
Drive Chain Replace Replace	Every 200 hours or 10,000 miles
Air & Intake
Air Filter Inspect / Clean Inspect	Every 5 hours or 500 miles or 1 month
Air Filter Inspect / Clean Clean	Every 15 hours or 2,000 miles or 3 months
Air Filter Replace Replace	Every 100 hours or 8,000 miles or 12 months
Fuel System
Fuel Injector Inspect Inspect	Every 150 hours or 12,000 miles or 24 months
Fuel Line Inspect Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Throttle Body Inspect Inspect	Every 100 hours or 8,000 miles or 24 months
Exhaust
Exhaust System Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Cooling System
Coolant Hoses Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Coolant Level Check Inspect	Every 5 hours or 500 miles or 1 month
Radiator Inspect / Clean Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Coolant Replace Replace	Every 100 hours or 12,000 miles or 24 months
Electrical
Battery Inspect / Maintain Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 3 months
Wiring / Electrical Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Brakes
Brake Fluid Inspect Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Brake Line Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Brake Pad Inspect Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Brake Rotor Inspect Inspect	Every 100 hours or 8,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid Replace Replace	Every 8,000 miles or 12 months
Suspension
Shock Absorber Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months
Chassis & Hardware
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners Inspect	Every 25 hours or 2,000 miles or 6 months
Tire Inspect Inspect	Every 10 hours or 1,000 miles or 1 month
Tire Pressure Check Inspect	Every 1 race
Wheel Bearings Inspect Inspect	Every 50 hours or 4,000 miles or 12 months

Help Us Get These Intervals Right

These schedules are built from manufacturer data and real-world riding - but nobody knows your machine better than you. If something looks off, tell us. We read every message.

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Never Miss a Service

Track miles, set oil change reminders, and log every service. LookOver works offline on every ride.

Engine Oil & Filter: The Most Critical Service

V-twin and parallel twin cruiser engines generate serious heat. Clean oil is non-negotiable.

Log Every Oil Change

Build a complete service history. Know exactly when your last change was and what oil you used.

Belt & Chain Drive

Your drivetrain transfers every bit of power to the rear wheel. Keep it maintained for smooth, reliable riding.

Tires & Wheels

Two contact patches the size of your palm are all that connect you to the road. Don't neglect them.

Brakes

Heavy cruisers need strong, well-maintained brakes. Inspect regularly. Never ride on worn pads.

Seasonal Storage

Proper prep prevents problems. A few hours now saves headaches in the spring.

Fuel System

Fill tank to reduce condensation
Add fuel stabilizer (follow dosing instructions)
Run engine 5 minutes to circulate stabilizer
Carbureted bikes: drain float bowls

Battery Care

Connect a battery tender/maintainer
Or remove battery and store in cool, dry place
Check terminals for corrosion
Never store a discharged battery

Protection

Clean and wax all surfaces
Lube chain or inspect belt
Fog cylinders if storing 3+ months
Cover with breathable motorcycle cover

Fluids & Tires

Change oil before storage (used oil is acidic)
Top up coolant with proper mix ratio
Inflate tires to max recommended PSI
Use a front and rear stand if possible

Seasonal Storage Checklist

Track winterization tasks and get spring start-up reminders so nothing gets forgotten.

Go Deeper

Track all your service intervals in one place. LookOver handles hours, miles, and dates so you never miss a service. Download free on iOS and Android.

READY TO RIDE MORE?

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