An honest guide to what to take on
Doing your own maintenance saves money, teaches you the machine and means you notice problems early. It also has a line, and crossing it can be expensive or dangerous.
Generally fine to learn
- Chain cleaning, lubrication and adjustment
- Oil and filter changes
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plugs
- Battery replacement and maintenance
- Bulbs and fuses
- Washing, corrosion protection and general inspection
- Tyre pressures and visual tyre inspection
Only with proper knowledge and tools
- Brake pads and anything hydraulic
- Valve clearances
- Suspension work
- Wheel removal and bearing work
- Anything requiring a torque figure you cannot measure
- CVT work on scooters
Leave to the dealer
- Warranty work, always
- Recalls and service bulletins, which are applied against the VIN
- Diagnostics needing manufacturer equipment
- Anything you are not confident about — and that is a legitimate reason, not a failing
The warranty question
Broadly, consumer rules in Europe do not allow a manufacturer to refuse a warranty claim purely because servicing was done elsewhere, provided the work followed the correct schedule with appropriate parts and you can prove it. But the details vary by country, and the burden of proof is yours.
Practically: keep every receipt, record what you did and at what mileage, and keep proof of the specification of the oil and parts you used.
Not legal advice — rules differ by country. Confirm your national position.
The rule worth adopting
If a mistake on this job could hurt you or someone else, get it done properly. Everything else is learnable.
Where is your line, and has it moved? Most people take on more over time. And if you tried something and it went wrong — that post helps more people than any success story.