Whether you already have a motorcycle or two sitting in the garage or are looking for vintage Ossa motorcycles for sale, knowing the basics of motorcycle maintenance can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Even if you have your bike maintained regularly by a professional, keeping a consistent check on the state of your ride will make sure that it stays in the best condition possible. This will also keep you safer on the road. Here are three easy checks you can do to ensure your motorcycle is running its best.

1. Check the Chain

This is an easy part of the bike to maintain, but also an easy one to overlook. Give a cursory look over the chain before each ride or, if you ride often, at least once a week to make sure it is not showing rust or wear. Lubricate the chain every 300 to 600 miles. This should be done more often if you ride through rain or live in a particularly humid climate.

2. Check the Tires

Just as with any vehicle, keeping up with the tire pressure and tread is an important task. This may seem silly — you would notice a flat, right? But checking the pressure regularly can help ensure that the tires don’t wear out early while noticing low tread can prevent a blowout accident.

3. Check the Fluids

If you have a mechanic service your bike regularly, this won’t be an issue most of the time. You should, however, check the oil between servicing if the motorcycle has been used for a long trip or ridden daily. The owner’s manual will have specific information for each bike, but the general recommendation is to change the oil every 3,700 miles. If the oil is low or starts to look dirty, it may need to be changed sooner.

Keeping your motorcycle maintained is not just a job for the mechanic. Taking a proactive approach to basic care will keep your bike in top condition and is likely to prevent accidents.