Spring Motorcycle Tune up: 6 Things you should check before going for a ride

Congratulations, you’ve successfully survived another winter season of cold weather and most importantly, no motorcycle riding. With the weather finally starting to heat up, it’ll be tempting to hop on the bike and go. Whether you’re seasoned rider or are more of a scootering home from work type, there is lots to know about motorcycle maintenance before you head out. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re up and running properly.

Fuel

If you properly winterized your motorcycle and drained or stabilized the fuel you should have little to worry about. If you drained the fuel, make sure to take a look inside the tank for any condensation that may have built up over the colder months, rust, or any general gunk in the gas tank. These could cause problems down the road if not addressed. If all looks good, fill the tank with high octane fuel and move on to other areas of the bike.

Fluids, Chain, and Cables

Check your fluids such as your brake fluid and coolant to make sure they are topped off or if needed, replaced. Also, make sure to clean and lubricate your bike chain regularly. This can help with smoother riding during the season and decrease the amount of wear and tear on your bike. You’ll also want to lubricate cables, such as your clutch cable, to keep the bike running smoothly and allow for smoother shifting.

Oil and Oil Filter

If you already completed your oil and filter change before putting the bike in storage for the winter then this is one less step you need to take. If not, make sure to change your oil and filter before hitting the road this season. It’s a good practice to change your oil and filter regularly to help keep your bike in top shape.

Tires

Tires are arguably one of the most important parts of your bike. It’s the only point of contact between you and the road. Now that your bike has been sitting in the garage all winter you’ll want to make sure the tire pressure is correct. In colder weather tire pressure tends to drop, so if your bike has been sitting in the garage all winter you’ll want to check to make sure pressure is up to the tire manufacturer’s recommendation. Also, you’ll want to check the tire for flat spots from sitting for a long time unless your bike is up on stands. Lastly, you’ll also want to check the tread on your tires. Many tires have built in tread wear indicators at 0.8mm. When your bike reaches this level it is more than ready for a tire change.

Helmet and Gear

Did you know your gear, such as a helmet has an expiry date? Your motorcycle helmet is good for 5 years from the manufactured date. You’ll also want to check your other gear for wear and tear and see if it needs replacing as well.

Insurance

Make sure your bike is properly insured before you hit the road. Riding without motorcycle insurance is not only illegal but can be dangerous and costly. Talk with one of our insurance advisors today to see how we can help find the right coverage for you and your motorcycle. We offer different types of auto insurance for motorcycles across the nation.