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INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
HELP CENTER
08/25/2023

Indian Motorcycle Maintenance Guidelines

Indian Motorcycle publishes self-help articles and model-specific maintenance videos to help owners perform their own vehicle maintenance, accessory installation and other procedures.

Browse Help Center articles and Do-It-Yourself videos.

These procedures, also outlined in your Owner’s Manual, can be performed without the help of a qualified technician. Always record service and maintenance dates and information in the Maintenance Log at the end of your Owner’s Manual. Before self-servicing your vehicle, read, understand and follow all of the instructions and safety precautions in the Owner’s Manual and on all product labels. 

Break-In Maintenance
The break-in period for your Indian Motorcycle is defined as the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation. For more information, read Indian Motorcycle Break-In.

Break-in maintenance is due when the motorcycle’s odometer registers 500 miles (800 km). See your authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer for this service. Performing the break-in maintenance will help facilitate optimum engine performance for the entire service life of the engine. Your dealer will change engine oil, inspect all fluids and serviceable components, tighten all fasteners and make other adjustments as needed.

Periodic Maintenance
Inspect, clean, lubricate, adjust and replace parts as necessary. When inspection reveals the need for replacement parts, use genuine Indian Motorcycle parts available from your dealer or online at the online parts catalog. Always record service and maintenance information in the Maintenance Log at the end of your Owner’s Manual. 

Notice: Use of non-recommended lubricants and components can result in damage to the motorcycle. Damage resulting from the use of non-recommended products is not covered by warranty. For more warranty information, read Indian Motorcycle Warranty Basics and Will Aftermarket Parts Void My Warranty?.  

Perform maintenance at the intervals specified in the following maintenance interval charts. Vehicles subjected to severe use must be inspected and serviced more frequently. 

Severe use includes: 

  • High speed operation for extended periods 
  • Low speed operation for extended periods 
  • Operation in dusty or otherwise adverse conditions 
  • Operation in cold weather (temperatures below freezing)

Refer to your Owner’s Manual for a vehicle-specific maintenance schedule. 

Road Tests
Before returning the motorcycle to regular use after performing service, road test it in a safe environment. Pay special attention to the proper fit and operation of all serviced components. Make any corrections or additional adjustments necessary for optimal vehicle performance.

Major Maintenance
Major repairs typically require technical skills and specially designed tools. Emission system service requires special tools and training and should be performed by your dealer. See an authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer or other qualified dealer.

Safety During Service Procedures
Warning: Failure to follow all recommended precautions and procedures could result in serious injury or death. Always heed all safety precautions and follow all operation, inspection and maintenance procedures outlined in the Owner’s Manual

  • Improperly installed or adjusted components can make the motorcycle unstable or hard to handle. Improperly installed electrical components can cause engine or electrical system failure. In either event, damage or serious injury could result. If you do not have the time, tools and expertise necessary to complete a procedure properly, please see your dealer for service. 
  • Review the safety-related maintenance information in the Safety Maintenance section. 
  • Before beginning any maintenance procedure, read the instructions for the entire procedure. 
  • Always position the motorcycle on a firm, level surface before performing service. Make sure the motorcycle will not tip or fall while elevated or while on the side stand. See the Elevating the Vehicle section of your Owner’s Manual for details. 
  • Hot engine and exhaust components can cause burns to skin and can ignite a fire if exposed to flammable materials. Always park the motorcycle clear of flammable materials and where people are not likely to contact hot components. 
  • Wear eye and face protection when using pressurized air. 
  • Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust fumes are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time. 
  • During some procedures you may use potentially hazardous products such as oil or brake fluid. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product packaging.

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