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Spring is finally here and the season of riding your motorcycle can start. However, before you begin to ride, make sure it’s safe and in good condition. With these 9 steps to get your motorcycle spring ready, you can enjoy and go out for the first ride. Checks up don’t take a lot of time and are essential for your safety. Also, always follow your motorcycle’s manual.
1. Tires
After long winter, tires may have gotten flat spots, cracks, damages, or lost air pressure. Check for tread depth in both tires and see if they need replacing. Worn-out tread can make your motorcycle difficult to handle, so its important to inspect before the first ride. Also, using high-quality tires from a motorcycle company will lower the potential of any damages during the winter storage. Cold weather can make tires lose air pressure, so check it by using an air pressure gauge. It’s best to investigate the motorcycle’s manual for a recommended level of air pressure.
2. Brakes
Like tires, brakes can wear out and they usually have wear bars on them. Take a close look at them and check if they are worn out. If they are, replace them with new brake pads. Also, see if there are any leaks or cracks on brake lines. However, after inspecting them always perform a test on the front and rear brakes. So, listen carefully if you hear scraping or squealing, they may not be working properly. Take your motorcycle to a mechanic and fix them before getting on a road.
3. Fluids
Checking fluids is the key maintenance step. Now is the perfect time to change your oil, especially if the fluid is dark amber. Inspect all the fluids, like brake fluid, fork oil, coolant transmission oil, and hydraulic clutch fluid. If you notice any change in color or consistency, you probably need to change with new oil. It’s safest to use the manual for recommended service. Also, before hitting the road and touring around the country, make sure every hose and cable is connected.
4. Lights
Do a full circle around your motorcycle and check for the lights. Check the headlights, both high and low beams, brake light, taillights, flashers, and turn signals. If you find any of them not working, replace them before riding.
5. Battery
IF you didn’t keep your battery on a trickle charger over the colder months, you should test the battery. It would likely need to be charged since it drained over winter. Make sure to fully charge the battery and place it in its place securely. The battery helps with powering up the motorcycle, so it’s important to work properly so it can fire up the engine each time. Also, check if leads and terminals are secure and without any sign of corrosion.
6. Belts and Chains
To get your motorcycle spring-ready, the next thing you need to check is the chain. The chain should be clean and lubricated. Make sure the drive chain or drive belt doesn’t have aren’t any cracks or damages that could affect the ride. You should check the sprockets, too. The sprockets should be set to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Tool Kit
Often forgotten but check your motorcycle’s tool kit. Tools should be rust-free, clean, and ready to use. See if there is everything you would need in case of emergency. If something is missing, such as an air pressure gauge, added it. This tool kit can save your time and stress whenever you’re on the road.
8. Controls
Before doing that trip you’ve planned, test all the controls to make sure your motorcycle is working perfectly. Check key controls, clutch, throttle, and steering. If you suspect something is off, take it to the local mechanic and get your bike ready for the road.
9. Gear
Always use a helmet when riding the bike. Inspect your helmet for any signs of damage. Also, replace your gloves and boots if they’re worn out.
With these simple steps, your motorcycle will be ready for all the rides you have planned during spring. Check the maintenance list and be safe when riding your bike.
Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
