The 5,000 km service: what it should actually cover

The early-interval service sets the tone for a bike's life, and it is the one most riders hand over without knowing what "done" looks like. Here is the short version of what a thorough 5,000 km service on a 300cc+ bike should touch.

The non-negotiables

• Engine oil and filter — the headline item. Confirm grade and that the filter was actually changed, not just topped up.
• Chain — clean, lube, and correct slack to spec. Stop-go city riding wears chains faster than the manual assumes.
• Brakes — pad thickness front and rear, lever feel, and fluid level.
• Throttle, clutch, and cables — free play set to spec so shifts and response stay crisp.

The easy-to-skip checks

• Tyre pressures — set cold, to the load you actually ride.
• Battery resting voltage — a 12.4V+ check catches accessory drain early.
• Fasteners — a torque check on the bits that vibrate loose (mirrors, pegs, guards) on a new bike.

Ask for the checklist. A service centre that itemises what it did is a service centre worth returning to.

General guidance, not a substitute for your model's official service schedule.