1. Within one month
   On the first day
2. Within six months
   After 1,500 miles

Whether your bike is new or used, start thinking about how you'll maintain it as soon as it's yours. Read the owner's manual thoroughly, know what kind of fuel, oil, and other products it needs, and set up a system for tracking mileage and maintenance tasks.

1. Inspect
   Intervene
2. Immediately
   Imagine

"I" usually means inspect. For example, your manual might advise you to inspect your bike's spark plugs or shocks.

1. Every two years
   Twice a year
2. Every 12 months
   Every month

Most manufacturers suggest replacing your oil and filter once a year, or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

1. Winter
   Spring
2. Fall
   Summer

Dealers' maintenance shops are usually less busy during winter months, so they have more time to devote to your bike and they might even offer financial incentives. Besides, you're off the road for the most part anyway, right?

1. Every two years
   Every three months
2. Every five years
   Once a year

Most manufacturers recommend conducting this task every other year. However, depending on how much you use your bike, you can stretch it a bit longer.

1. Distance
   Time
2. Neither
   Whichever comes first

Like with an automobile, many motorcycle maintenance tasks are based on either time or distance, whichever comes first. This ensures proper care, whether you use your bike a lot or a little.

1. If you live in a hot climate
   If you ride in harsh conditions
2. If your bike is more than five years old
   If your bike is brand new

The manufacturer's guidelines are really a general suggestion that you might need to vary based on your own situation. For example, if you ride all winter in a cold, snowy climate, or if you take your bike through rough terrain on a regular basis, you might consider performing certain tasks more often.

1. You left it out in the rain.
   You've added too much oil.
2. Oil also serves as transmission fluid.
   Your bike fell into a body of water.

Some motorcycles have what is called a wet clutch, meaning that the engine oil also serves as transmission fluid. This makes it extra important to choose the right oil for your bike, not just whatever you put into your car.

1. To improve the oil flow.
   To get a better read on the oil level.
2. You should not do this.
   So you won't have to touch the cold metal.

Obviously you must drain the old oil before replacing it, and it helps to warm up the engine for about five minutes first. This warms the oil, enabling it to drain faster and empty the tank more completely.

1. Every month
   Once a year
2. Every two years
   Every five years

Most manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every other year. Take a look at it once a month or so though.

1. A nickname for a rear-view mirror
   A peep hole for viewing the oil level
2. A magnifying glass
   Special sunglasses for bikers

Many bikes have a sight glass, or a little window through which you can view the oil level. This eliminates the need for a dipstick, as you can simply look to see if the oil is at the proper level according to the hash marks.

1. A melon baller
   A serrated knife
2. A meat mallet
   A turkey baster

An ordinary turkey baster is a favorite tool of many DIY bike owners. They use it to remove the existing brake fluid before replacing it.

1. To help it slide on more easily
   To test the new oil
2. To get a better seal
   To improve performance

Before installing a new oil filter, many people recommend dipping a finger into the new oil and rubbing a bit on the new filter's o-ring. This provides a tighter, more secure seal when the new filter is installed.

1. Make sure the tank is level.
   Put the bike on its side.
2. Remove the cap on the tank.
   Warm up the engine.

It's essential to make sure the reservoir is as level as possible. Otherwise the fluid can come pouring out when you remove the cap, and it can be dangerous both to your skin and your bike's paint.

1. Bike tires are more expensive.
   Bike tires wear out faster.
2. Bike tires are smaller.
   It isn't.

Proper tire maintenance is critically important on a bike because the tires are so small, and there are only two of them. That means far fewer points of contact with the road, so they can wear out faster.

1. A penny
   A flat-heat screwdriver
2. A pencil
   A piece of cardboard

It's easy to check tire wear by inserting a penny into the tread with the top of Lincoln's head facing down. If part of Lincoln's hair is still covered, you're OK, but if you can see all of his head, it's time to get a new tire.

1. Look
   Lubricate
2. Loosen
   Liken

"L" typically stands for lubricate. For example, your chain needs to be lubricated periodically.

1. Every two years
   Every six months
2. Once a year
   Every five years

Steering head bearings should be inspected once a year or every 6,000 miles, according to most manufacturers. Every two years, they should be repacked with fresh grease.

1. Replace brake and fuel lines
   Replace tires
2. Change oil
   Inspect master cylinder

Every four years, most manufacturers recommend inspecting and probably replacing your brake and fuel lines. Take a look at the radiator hoses at the same time.

1. Every night
   When you store your bike for more than a few days
2. Every two weeks
   Once a month

A battery tender keeps your battery fully charged when you're not using it. If you don't plan to ride for a couple of weeks or longer, it's a good idea to use one to avoid battery drainage.

1. Reuse
   Reconfigure
2. Replace
   Review

"R" usually stands for replace. An example of this directive might be changing your oil or other fluids.

1. When you change the oil
   When you get new tires
2. When you replace the brake fluid
   At the beginning of the spring riding season

Having good spark plugs is key to keeping your bike's engine running smoothly. Many mechanics recommend switching them out each time you change your oil.

1. In case you need help later
   To start and stop the engine
2. To read the directions in the owner's manual
   To mimic actual riding conditions

No matter how you adjust the chain, it will tighten once a rider is on board. That's why it's helpful to have some kind of load on the bike, preferably a person sitting on it, so you can adjust it properly.

1. Check
   Charge
2. Clean
   Coordinate

"C" typically stands for clean, but not always. It might mean change, so think before you act.

1. When the engine is cold
   With the bike on its side
2. When the engine is warm
   When the outside temperature is above 60 degrees

Usually you just need to top off your coolant once a year or whenever it gets a bit low, but sometimes you might want to change it completely. In that case, do it with a completely cold engine.

1. Once a year
   Twice a year
2. Every month
   Every three years

Brake performance is something you don't want to mess with. Check your pads once a year or every 6,000 miles and replace them if they are wearing close to the metal.

1. They might not need replacing after all.
   They might be under warranty.
2. Certain conditions can indicate other problems.
   To be sure you've gotten the right ones for replacement.

Regardless of age, the old spark plugs should be clean and dry. If they are covered in oil, are pitted, or have other damage, your bike might be experiencing other unseen problems and need a tune-up.

1. A change in color
   Presence of green gunk
2. Nicks or cuts
   Kinks

It's important to take a look at your clutch cable once a year or so. If you see nicks or cuts in the housing that could allow water or debris to reach the cable itself, replace the cable.

1. To make it easier to install
   To help avoid corrosion
2. To make the bike start easier
   To help the battery hold a charge

Adding a bit of grease to the terminals before installing a new battery will help avoid corrosion, which can lead to other issues.

1. To be sure it's at the right level
   To let the engine cool down
2. To be sure you're rested
   To let the engine warm up first

After changing the oil, it's a good idea to start the engine, check for leaks, and then turn it off again. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check the level again, adding more or removing some with a turkey baster or syringe if necessary.

1. It is less corrosive.
   It is cheaper.
2. It contains wax.
   It doesn't scratch.

Household products, such as dish soap, will do an adequate job of cleaning a bike, but they can be corrosive to aluminum surfaces and can also be tough on a wax job. It's better to invest in a product specifically designed for cleaning motorcycles.

1. Every five years
   Once a month
2. Once a year
   Every two years

Check your air filter once a year or every 6,000 miles or so. If you have a pleated paper filter and it's not terribly dirty, you can clean it with compressed air, but if you're in doubt, replace it.

1. Wash them with dish soap
   Use sandpaper
2. Clean them with compressed air
   Leave them out in the sun

If you want to get a little more life out of your spark plugs, some sandpaper can do the trick. Make sure it's a fine grain though, and clean off every bit of grit.

1. Animate
   Adjust
2. Activate
   Articulate

The "A" on your maintenance chart usually stands for Adjust. You might need to adjust valves, for example.

1. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
   Don't try to do it yourself.
2. Fix it before it breaks.
   Your dealer is your best friend.

Whether you work on your bike yourself or take it to a mechanic, it's important to stay on top of inspections and routine maintenance. Even if everything seems to be working fine, you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire or dead battery, do you?