After a long winter, we know you’re ready to get back out on the road without having to don all that heavy winter wear. But before you take to the road again, make sure your bike is in road-ready condition. Here is a handy motorcycle spring maintenance checklist to get you started so you can ride safely.
1. Change Your Fluids
First, check on all the necessary fluids that keep your bike running smoothly. Look for leaks, change the engine oil (if you didn't already before you put your bike away for the winter), then top up these fluids or change them if they have gone bad over the winter:
Gear oil
Hydraulic fluid
Shaft drive oil
Coolant
Battery fluid
2. Check the Battery
The cold can be hard on your bike’s battery. To prepare for your first post-winter ride, make sure your battery is still in good condition. The terminals should be clean, and their connections should be secure.
3. Check Your Controls for Winter Wear
Cold temperatures can really do a number on motorcycle parts, so do a thorough inspection of all remaining parts of your bike before you take it out. Be sure you check your:
Hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks;
Throttle for smooth movement;
Cables for damage like kinks or fraying;
Levers and pedals for breaking or bending.
4. Inspect the Chassis
Last, check the frame of your bike for damage or maintenance. Make sure the:
Frame has no cracking or dents;
Forks and shocks are adjusted correctly;
Belt and chain have the right amount of tension;
Teeth are mounted correctly;
Fasteners are tight.
5. Update Your Motorcycle Insurance
If your bike and its riders aren't fully covered by motorcycle insurance, think twice about riding. Uncovered bikes and riders could end up paying a hefty chunk of change in the event of an accident or property damage. Plus, states have laws about certain coverage limits, and failing to meet them can put your freedom to ride in jeopardy.
1. Change Your Fluids
First, check on all the necessary fluids that keep your bike running smoothly. Look for leaks, change the engine oil (if you didn't already before you put your bike away for the winter), then top up these fluids or change them if they have gone bad over the winter:
Gear oil
Hydraulic fluid
Shaft drive oil
Coolant
Battery fluid
2. Check the Battery
The cold can be hard on your bike’s battery. To prepare for your first post-winter ride, make sure your battery is still in good condition. The terminals should be clean, and their connections should be secure.
3. Check Your Controls for Winter Wear
Cold temperatures can really do a number on motorcycle parts, so do a thorough inspection of all remaining parts of your bike before you take it out. Be sure you check your:
Hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks;
Throttle for smooth movement;
Cables for damage like kinks or fraying;
Levers and pedals for breaking or bending.
4. Inspect the Chassis
Last, check the frame of your bike for damage or maintenance. Make sure the:
Frame has no cracking or dents;
Forks and shocks are adjusted correctly;
Belt and chain have the right amount of tension;
Teeth are mounted correctly;
Fasteners are tight.
5. Update Your Motorcycle Insurance
If your bike and its riders aren't fully covered by motorcycle insurance, think twice about riding. Uncovered bikes and riders could end up paying a hefty chunk of change in the event of an accident or property damage. Plus, states have laws about certain coverage limits, and failing to meet them can put your freedom to ride in jeopardy.