Wheel bearings on a Harley-Davidson should be checked for wear every 10,000 miles. If they're loose or rough, a mechanic can usually repack them. It's important to check the wheel bearings because a bad one can cause a motorcycle wheel to lock completely, possibly injuring the rider and damaging the bike.
If a Harley-Davidson has a hum or roar coming from the tire, the likely cause is a bad wheel bearing. The tire will also show signs of uneven tread wear and the bike may feel wobbly or pull to one side. According to Harley-Davidson riders, wheel bearings need to be replaced every 35,000 to 65,000 miles.
Wheel bearing maintenance on a Harley-Davidson is critical to ensure the safety of the rider and the longevity of the bike. Checking the wheel bearings every 10,000 miles and using genuine Harley-Davidson grease to repack them can help the bearings last as long as 65,000 miles.
