Ok, it’s been a really mild winter here in California, but nevertheless, I have done little riding. Being immersed in family travel and the purchase of a new home, has kept me off the bike, more than I’d like this year. So now, family travel is complete, the new house is lookin’ organized and I can now concentrate on getting both me and my machine in tip top condition for some spring travel.

To begin, the bike, living on a trickle charger should be content but there is still a series of services that should be inspected and done before taking the bike out on the open road. Here’s a list I like to consult.

1) Dust off the beast! Or give it a good bath to remove any dirt or grime that’s accumulated over the storage period. My bike hasn’t been sitting very long, so it’s still looking rather spiffy, however many riders have their bike in full winter storage, covered with fluids drained and connected to a trickle charger. If the freeze is over and the roads clean, time to get the bike road worthy.

2) Check your battery and inspect your controls, your lights, cables, hoses and lines. Squeeze test your clutch and brake levers and check your horn. I like to keep my battery on a trickle charger, if not riding for any length of time. There is varied thoughts on this, but I feel it keeps my battery charged evenly, instead of letting it drain and then recharging repeatedly. I have told that keeping it on the charger extends the battery life, and thus far, I would agree.

3) If you changed your motorcycle’s oil before placing your motorcycle in storage then you can skip the step of changing the oil again. If not now is a good time to put in fresh oil and a new filter.

4) Inspect your chain and sprocket. Your motorcycle’s chain may have loosened over the winter. Test the amount of slack in the chain and adjust it if needed. While you are at it, now is a great time to review the condition of the sprockets. Check the sprocket teeth for any uneven wear and make sure that it does not look like this!

A good chain and sprocket maintenance article can be found here.

Once you have it readjusted or replaced give it a good lube!

5) Give the bike a good visual check for rust, cracking, lifting paint or dents. Check your suspension to make sure it’s set to the proper specs. Having your suspension fine tuned by a specialist for your weight and riding style is most important. I was amazed at the difference it made in my riding, once my bike suspension was tweaked by a professional.

6) Make sure you have all the proper paperwork on your bike; your current insurance card and registration.

7) Start your engine and test ride your baby!!

8) Take a course to brush up your skills! Streetmasters is my favorite, but take something available in your area, if you are unable to travel to SoCal for the Streetmasters course.

Now, for the rider, I suggest checking with Bluepoof for one of the best rider workouts ever! I enjoy adding a good morning walk to my routine as well.

Now go and enjoy your riding season and if there is anything I have forgotten, please let me know!!

Here’s to a wonderful spring!