Time to get the bike off the trickle charger and road worthy as the spring riding season opens up. With all those great riding days ahead, this is the perfect time to get everything ready to go, so you don’t waste a moment of that great riding weather! For those wondering what they need to do, here’s a handy list of 10 things to do to get ready for the new riding season.
1) Change oil and check to see if any standard servicing is needed on the bike. Check the levels and quality of the engine oil, hypoid gear oil, shaft drive, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel. Replace or top-up fluids that need it. Check for leaks of these same fluids.
2) Check the air pressure of your tires and inflate to the pressure specified in your owner’s manual. Look for wear-and-tear on the treads, cracks, bulges or embedded objects. Check your wheels for roundness, cracks and dents, and bent, broken or missing spokes.
3) Check nuts and bolts for tightness and make sure your chain is in good shape and well lubed and cleaned. If it needs replacing, this is the time to address that!
4) Address all of the items included in a 500-mile service procedure, this will give you the opportunity to get reacquainted with your motorcycle and put you in a position to check all the little things you might otherwise overlook. Make sure all the lights are working.
5) Get out all your gear and clean and wash everything, which gives you a good opportunity to inspect your gear. If leather, give it a good dose of leather cleaner and conditioner and waterproofing as well. I use Nikwax and it has always served me well. Note there are different products for different materials. Follow the directions and you’ll be golden!
6) Do you need new gear? Time to order any you may need so you are ready to go! How old is your helmet? Do you need a new one? Check and clean your helmet. Most helmet liners now come out and this is a good time to wash it or replace it. How are your gloves? MotorcycleGear.com is a great place to shop for any new gear you may need.
7) Get out your motorcycle safety books and re-read, then hit the parking lot for some skills practice. Quick stops, swerves, U-turns and slow speed maneuvers will get you back in excellent riding shape in no time.
8 ) Make sure all your documents are current and up to date. By that I mean, your registration, insurance card and any other details. Revisit your insurance policy and adjust anything that needs tweaking.
9) Final inspection – If you carry a tire repair kit make sure it is in working order, accessory cables (GPS, Radio, Intercom, etc), luggage locks and make sure luggage racks are secure.
10) Enjoy the ride, ride vigilantly and remember, consider yourself invisible to most drivers on the roads and ride accordingly!