Maintaining an electric motorcycle: What's different compared to a gasoline-powered motorcycle
Electric motorcycles require less maintenance than their gasoline-powered counterparts: no more oil changes, filters, spark plugs, or clutches. However, everything that moves, brakes, and transmits power still needs to be monitored, and new areas of concern emerge: the battery, power connectors, and the sealing of the electronics. Here's what disappears, what remains, and what is added, along with the maintenance routine we recommend for workshops.
The essentials
- The following components are not included: oil change, filters, spark plugs, clutch, exhaust system.
- Remaining tasks: transmission (chain, belt), brakes and brake fluid, tires, bearings, suspension, and torque settings.
- In addition to the existing features, the following are now included: battery health, power connectors, waterproofing, motor and controller temperatures.
- The immediate torque of an electric motor quickly wears out the chain, rear tire, and brakes.
- Never use a high-pressure water jet on the electronics, connectors, or bearings.
What's disappearing
An electric motor has no engine oil, pistons, valves, clutch, or exhaust system. All related maintenance tasks (oil changes, filters, valve adjustments, spark plugs, clutch cable or fluid) are eliminated. In a lightweight, air-cooled electric motorcycle, there is also no coolant. This represents a significant saving of time and money in the long run.
What remains, and which sometimes wears out faster
The drivetrain
An electric motor delivers its torque from a standstill. The chain, sprockets, and, depending on the model, the belt or primary reduction gear, absorb this torque with every start. Regularly check the tension and wear, lubricate the chain, and replace the chain and sprockets together when they are worn. A modified, more powerful machine will wear out its drivetrain even faster.
Brakes
Brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid are consumable parts. The electric motor brake assists the mechanical brakes, but it can weaken when the battery is full or disappear in case of a malfunction: the brakes must be able to stop the machine on their own. Bleed the hydraulic system according to the manufacturer's recommendations for the brake; our guide on bleeding a hydraulic brake shows the process, which is the same for a lightweight motorcycle.
Tires, bearings, suspensions, torque settings
The rear tire wears out quickly due to the high torque. The wheel, steering, and swingarm bearings are susceptible to damage from water and mud. The suspension requires maintenance according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Furthermore, the vibrations from off-road riding can loosen the fasteners: regular torque checks can prevent many breakdowns.
In addition to that,
The battery
The battery is the most expensive component of the machine. It lasts longer if you avoid storing it empty or fully charged for weeks, charging it in extremely cold or hot temperatures, and demanding more current than it is designed to handle. For winter storage, leave it at a 50% charge, protected from the cold, and check its voltage periodically: see our guide for storing a lithium battery during the winter. A swollen battery, one that overheats abnormally, or one that has been subjected to a shock should not be recharged: isolate it and have it inspected.
Connectors and wiring
Power connectors (battery, controller, motor) carry high currents. A poorly seated, oxidized, or worn connector will heat up, turn black, and eventually cause disconnections. Check them regularly; a blackened connector should be replaced. Also, make sure the cables are not rubbing against the frame. Our guide on power cables and connectors explains why.
Water and Washing
The motorcycle electronics are protected against splashes, but not against a high-pressure jet directed at a connector. Wash with a sponge or a low-pressure jet, avoiding spraying the controller, connectors, motor, and bearings, and then allow them to dry before recharging.
Temperatures
The motor and controller have thermal protection: if they overheat, the power output decreases. A decrease in power after a few minutes of use, which wasn't present before, often indicates inadequate cooling (due to mud or dust) or a setting that needs to be adjusted.
The recommended procedure
| When | What? |
|---|---|
| Before each ride: | Brakes, tire pressure, chain tension, battery level, wheel tightness |
| After each muddy ride.. | Gentle cleaning, drying, and chain lubrication |
| Regularly | Wear on brake pads and drivetrain components, play in bearings and steering, tightness of fasteners, condition of connectors |
| According to the manufacturer's specifications | Brake fluid, suspension maintenance |
| Before long-term storage: | Battery at half charge, stored away from the cold |
Workshop tip
Keep a record in a notebook of the dates when wear parts are changed and any anomalies (noises, cutouts, overheating). These notes can save a lot of diagnostic time. For a service, repair, or question, contact us; our parts for Sur-Ron and Talaria are in the electric motorcycles category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an electric motorcycle need maintenance?
Yes. While electric vehicles require fewer maintenance operations than combustion engine vehicles, the transmission, brakes, tires, bearings, suspension, fasteners, and connectors must be regularly inspected according to the manufacturer's manual and your usage patterns.
Why is my chain wearing out so quickly?
The torque of an electric motor is available from the start, and off-road riding adds mud and dust. A properly tensioned, clean, and lubricated chain will last much longer.
Can you wash an electric motorcycle with a pressure washer?
It's best to avoid using a high-pressure washer. It can force water into the connectors, the controller, the motor, and the bearings. Instead, use a sponge and a low-pressure stream of water.
How long does the battery last?
The lifespan of a battery depends on the quality of the cells, the number of charge cycles, the current demands, and the charging and storage conditions. A battery that is treated with care will age much more slowly than a battery that is stored in a discharged state or charged in cold conditions.