Replacing Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Parts

If your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle has been seeming a little sluggish lately, it might be that you’ve neglected to replace a part that’s worn out. Just like a car or truck, your motorcycle requires regular maintenance and a big part of that maintenance is replacing worn-down or broken parts. Failing to replace a part when it’s wearing down or has failed can result in really expensive repairs that take your bike off the road for days or weeks at a time.

Here are some of the parts that you may need to replace on your bike and when you'll likely need to replace them.

Cables

The throttle and clutch on your bike both need cables in order to operate correctly. When you fail to lubricate those cables, they can bind. If you invest in a motorcycle-cable lubricator, this tool will make it very simple to spread lubricant all along the length of the cable for proper functioning. Whenever you get an oil change, make sure that you check and adjust the tension of the clutch cable, since it can stretch over time.

Carburetor

Whenever you swap out your motorcycle’s spark plugs, it’s a good idea to also take a look at the carburetor to see whether it needs any adjusting.

Chains

The chains on your motorcycle will likely require replacement after 15,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your bike. Always try to keep the chains at the right tension and adequately lubricated to ensure you get as much usage out of them as possible.

Coolant

While not a “part” per se, the coolant in your engine’s radiator helps to prevent overheating, so you need to ensure that the levels are high enough. Check your owner’s manual to learn exactly when you need to flush out the coolant and replace it entirely.

Petcock or Fuel Filter

Your motorcycle may have either a petcock in the tank that needs its internal screen cleaned every so often, or it will have a fuel filter that needs to be replaced. Look in your owner’s manual to figure out which you’ve got and when to clean or change it.

Spark Plugs

This crucial engine component likely should be replaced every 10,000 miles to ensure your engine functions correctly. Sometimes you may only need to replace one spark plug at a time, so check these every so often. 

Transmission

Every 10,000 miles, you’ll want to check the primary’s tension and adjust it accordingly. Change out the transmission fluid and primary oil at the same time.

Tires & Wheels

Your bike tires should be checked regularly to ensure that they’re adequately pressured. Make sure that the treads are not too worn when you check the pressure, too. As for the wheels that hold those tires, you’ll want to tighten the spokes so that the rim doesn’t warp over time. Grease your wheel bearings as needed.

Looking for parts? Our Santa Maria, CA, dealership offers a wide selection of motorcycle parts for your Harley-Davidson® bike so you can choose what you need and get your bike repaired quickly. If you’re looking to purchase a bike, make sure you check out our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale, including the latest models from Harley-Davidson. Our staff can inform you of our financing options if you’re curious. Santa Maria Harley-Davidson proudly serves the cities of Ventura and Bakersfield, CA.