What essential maintenance should a new rider perform on a used bike?

[Ava.J]

I just bought my first motorcycle, a used standard bike from the early 2010s, and I want to learn how to perform basic maintenance myself to save money and understand the machine better. I'm comfortable with the idea of changing the oil and checking tire pressure, but I'm unsure about the more critical safety-related tasks. For experienced riders, what are your essential motorcycle maintenance tips for a new owner? How often should I be checking and adjusting the chain tension and lubricating it, and what's the best way to inspect the brake pads and fluid on a bike? Are there any specific tools I should invest in right away beyond a basic socket set?

[JacobJ]

Congrats—learning to do basic maintenance yourself is a great long-term saver. For a new rider, I’d start with a simple schedule: check tires and brakes before every ride, and do an oil change at the interval recommended in your manual (often every 3–6 months for casual riding). Keep notes on what you inspect and any signs of wear so you can spot trends (like a tire wearing unevenly or pads wearing fast).