With spring right around the corner, it’s time for motorcycle riders like you to gear up and hit the road. But before you can feel the thrill of the ride and the wind on your face, you need to prepare your motorcycle for the riding season ahead. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know what it takes to kick-start a smooth riding season.
Why Prepping Your Motorcycle Matters
After sitting dormant for months, components of your bike can degrade, even if it’s stored indoors. Tires can lose air pressure, fluids can deteriorate, and essential parts such as chains and brakes are likely in need of a refresh. You would be lucky if skipping maintenance only leads to poor operational performance. However, neglecting proper preparations could seriously put your safety at risk.
Dedicating time and effort to prepare your bike will provide:
- great operational performance while driving,
- improved safety,
- reduced risks of accidents caused by preventable issues,
- a long lifespan for the motorcycle components.
Step 1: Inspect and Inflate Your Tires
Your tires should always be a priority. Begin your preparations by thoroughly inspecting the tires for cracks, flat spots, and visible damage that may have occurred during winter storage. Even if the tires look fine, use a gauge to check the air pressure and inflate them according to the manufacturer’s specifications. With well-inflated tires, you can improve your bike’s handling and fuel efficiency. Not to mention, you’ll reduce overall wear and tear on the vehicle.
Tire tread is another important component. If the treat is too low or you find several cracks on the sidewalls, your safety is at risk while driving. These are signs that it’s time to invest in a new set of tires.
Never overlook the tire valves. Inspect them for leaks or damage, and replace broken or worn valves promptly.
Step 2: Check and Change Your Fluids
Over time, heat and moisture can cause oil and lubricants to break down, affecting your motorcycle’s performance.
- Drain and replace the oil. Replace the oil filter to improve the bike’s overall performance.
- Check the bike’s coolant levels and top off or replace it as needed, especially if you’ll be riding in a region with fluctuating temperatures.
- Test the brake fluid’s clarity and top it up if it’s running low. If it looks cloudy or dark, replace it immediately.
- If there’s any leftover fuel in the motorcycle’s tank, drain it and replace it with fresh fuel. Fuel stabilizers help prevent gasoline from breaking down during storage, but it’s always safer to replace the tank entirely before driving the bike again.
Step 3: Give the Chain and Brake System Some TLC
By maintaining the bike’s chain and brakes, you’re increasing your safety on the road by improving the vehicle’s overall handling. Here are a few maintenance tips for each component.
Chain
Winter can cause the chain to lose lubrication or develop rust. Clean the chain thoroughly using a chain cleaner. Add lubrication, and make sure the chain has the correct tension. Handle this step carefully to prevent the chain from snapping and skipping while you ride.
Brakes
Check the brake pads for wear and tear. If they’re too thin, replace them immediately.
Test the brake levers to ensure there’s no sponginess when compressed. This issue can signal air in the brake lines.
Step 4: Refresh the Battery
Unless you disconnected your battery or placed it on a trickle charger, your motorcycle’s battery likely suffered throughout the winter months. Inspect the battery for corrosion. If it appears to be in good condition, bring the battery to a full charge.
In some cases, the battery won’t fully charge or hold a charge. If this occurs, you’re better off replacing the battery now instead of risking a breakdown while driving.
Step 5: Upgrade Your Headlight Kit for Better Visibility
The rainy spring season is the perfect time to invest in a high-quality motorcycle headlight kit. Advanced LED kits provide improved brightness and visibility to motorists, helping drivers see the road clearly and be visible to other drivers even in adverse weather or low-light conditions. Making the switch during your spring prep means you’ll enjoy a full season of bright, safe rides.
Step 6: Clean and Polish Your Bike
Winter storage likely left your bike with a layer of dust—or worse, grime from road salt if it wasn’t properly protected. A good cleaning keeps your ride looking its best and prevents long-term damage to the paint and metal surfaces.
Start with a thorough wash using a gentle soap and warm water. Scrub any stubborn areas with a sponge. Dry the bike with a microfiber cloth.
Then, apply a wax or polish to protect the paint and make it shine. For maximum clarity, clean the mirrors and lights, too.
Step 7: Perform a Quick Test Ride
A test ride is an opportunity to check that every component—from the tires and brakes to the engine and lights—functions perfectly. During the ride, pay special attention to how the motorcycle feels and sounds. If you feel excess vibrations or hear unusually loud noises, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for an in-depth inspection.
Testing your motorcycle is important to keep you safe on the road. Plus, you’ll catch potential issues before they become bigger problems later in the season.
Step 8:
Gear Up and Hit the Road!
Investing in the proper gear is nonnegotiable for staying safe, comfortable, and prepared while driving. A high-quality helmet is a legal requirement in many states, but it’s also the primary form of defense against head injuries.
You’ll also need a sturdy jacket, abrasion-resistant pants, supportive boots, and a great pair of gloves. These items will guard your body from the elements and protect you in case of an accident.
Just like your bike, it’s important to maintain your gear. Inspect and clean your gear on a regular basis. Pay attention to signs of damage or wear and tear. If you notice anything amiss—like rips, cracks, or general wearing—promptly replace the item.
Whether you’re planning a thrilling mountain adventure or a peaceful countryside cruise, a bit of preparation will improve your riding experience. By following our advice on preparing your motorcycle for the riding season ahead, you’ll have an enjoyable riding season free from anxiety and preventable issues.
