Ensure your warm-weather ride is ready for spring cruising.
Now that there are brighter days and warmer temperatures, many riders are looking to get their bikes out of storage. While your motorbike is perfectly content sitting in hibernation, now is the time when you should start to think about getting it ready for spring. While preserving it from the worst ravages of the winter is an admirable aim for motorists, motorcycles will still need some checks before taking it out on spring roads. Here are some checks and tasks to complete before the first ride of the year!
Initial Checks
The first job is to go from stem to stern, looking for any broken cables and loose nuts. You may have already done this back in the fall, but it’s worth checking again to see if you missed something. Also, check the air filter housing, as mice and other animals love nesting in there over the winter.
Tires
Look over your tires carefully. Cracks in the rubber and bald spots could mean that it’s time to get some new tires. If you see exposed wire or metal meshing coming through the tread, it’s time to get down to the shop, pronto. If you don’t see any of these issues, check tire pressure and make sure each tire is at the right psi.
Belt or Chain
Take a few minutes to inspect the belt or chain now, since a broken one could leave you stranded, roadside. It doesn’t hurt to check the tension, too, and make sure it’s up to the manufacturer’s specs.
Spark Plug
Depending on what type of motorcycle you have, a spark plug can be an easy roadside change. It’s worth checking them now to ensure they’re in good condition for the road ahead.
Battery
If you haven’t started your bike all winter, pull the battery out and charge it overnight. While you have it out, check the fluid levels in each cell. If the battery is more than four years old and has been struggling, it may be time to get a new one.
Fluid Levels
Top up the fluid levels, including the oil and brake fluid. Most motorcycles have a window on the front of the reservoir indicating the fluid level.
Lights
It only takes seconds to check that your brake lights, turn signals, and headlights are working correctly. These lights are important for you to see clearly at night and communicate your moves on the road to other motorists.
Now that the hard part is done, it’s time to clean it, wax it, and make it shine for spring! While you’re at it, ensure that you have optimum coverage for the riding season ahead. At Perry & Carroll, we can help. Contact us to learn how we can protect your ride and drive through reliable motorcycle insurance in Elmira, New York!