Get Your Motorcycle Ready for the Season

In this article, we will be going over the numerous steps that you need to complete to get your motorcycle prepared for the new season after the harsh cold weather of winter. There are 8 different steps that need to be finished before taking that first ride to ensure that you are smooth sailing.

Steps

Brakes

  1. Checking your brakes is a huge part of taking your bike out for the new season to start because of the absolute importance of your braking system. You are going to want to first check your brake lines for any type of leaking or cracks to make sure that there aren’t any irregularities.
  2. Next, you need to get on the motorcycle and put the kickstand up, as if you were about to start your engine and ride. You will then have to put it in neutral so it will allow you to rock back and forth freely.
  3. You will then push and pull the bike back and forth while hitting the brakes both ways. Always make sure to try both the front and rear wheel braking systems located at your right hand and right foot. If you don’t hear any squeaking or sounds out of the ordinary, your brakes are set and ready to go for the winter. If there are any leaks or noises, take it to your nearest mechanic to be evaluated.

Tires

  1. Tires are an essential part of making sure turns go smoothly and falls are prevented. So checking for any cracks or rotting is essential. Signs of cracking or rotting are brittleness, deep lines on the tread, cracks on the sidewall, and faded colors along with the tire tread.
  2. The next step, if all goes well with the cracks or rotting, is to make sure the tire pressure is at a certain PSI. On the side of each tire, there will be a label telling you the correct PSI the tire should be at. For this step, you will need a tire pressure gauge to stick into the tire at the spot where you would fill the tire with air.
  3. If the pressure is in the range given on the tire, then you are set, but if it’s not, go to your nearest gas station or other location you know of to get them filled, most places offer free air, but sometimes they can be paid with quarters. If the tires are without cracks, rotting, and the right tire pressure they will be good to go for the start of the season.

Battery

  1. The battery is like the heart of the motorcycle, it is what makes the motorcycle run and without its life, you can’t start the motorcycle. For the season, you should always take out the battery and keep it on a battery tender so it keeps its charge over the winter season. Typically when you start up a motorcycle after the winter it will take a couple of tries due to not being started in a while, so don’t worry if it doesn’t start on the first go. But if after 3 or 4 attempts, you will need to take out the battery and check the output it’s giving, you can check this with either a battery tender or by going to your nearest auto store to have them check it for you.
  2. When you or the store checks, you should be seeing a green light typically on battery tenders, or the store associate will tell you the level of output it’s giving. In the case of less than normal output, you can either buy a new battery or try to charge it on the battery tender or have the store charge it.
  3. In the case of either buying or charging, it’s really up to whether you want to spend the money. You may well be able to use the old one and charge it up, but typically the safer option is to just buy a new one so you can depend on it more than the other option of keeping the old one.

Fluids

  1. Checking fluids can be a small and simple step if they are in good condition from the winter. The first thing you should typically check is if you need an oil change. Oil changes should be done once a year or every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. That is why you should always keep tabs on your mileage when you do an oil change. Consult your owner's manual to get the right items for an oil change like the right oil to use and oil filter. You may also be able to go into your nearest auto shop and ask them about the right things you might need for an oil change.
  2. Each motorcycle is different so you will have to look at your manual for the next fluid steps. But all together you should be checking your transmission oil, clutch fluid, fork oil, brake fluid, and coolant. You can top off what needs to be filled. If you see any color differences or in oil consistency, you may need to do a system-specific flush, these can all be described for your specific bike in the owner's manual, or by going to your nearest mechanic.

Lights

  1. Lights are one of the quicker steps, all you have to do is turn on the bike and check all of the lights and signals. These consist of the headlights (high and low beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals (front and back), and the flashers. If they are burnt out then you need to replace them, but if they are all in working condition, then this step is complete.

Spark Plugs

  1. Next are the spark plugs, make sure to take them out and check them for signs of corrosion, dirt, or signs of damage. If they have any of those signs, replace whichever ones have those problems, and you’ll be all set.

Controls

  1. Make sure your controls are all safe and ready for fast maneuvering or for a smooth ride. The throttle and clutch are the first things to check to make sure they are tight enough, but loose enough to squeeze in a pinch. The clutch can be somewhat loose compared to other respective parts because on some level it has to do with comfort, and how hard you want it to be to pull, so adjust accordingly to your motorcycle specs and your comfort.
  1. Brake lines should be tightened according to the owner manuals specs of the bike, make sure to read it properly and adjust to the book's specs.

Gear

  1. The last step is to check your gear. This step may not seem as important, but it could be the difference between life or death. First, you should check your helmet for any scratches, cracks, or any type of damage that might affect the results of a crash. If the helmet is considered unwearable, replace it immediately. Typically helmets should be switched out every 5-6 years anyway, so if that’s the case for you, replace your helmet accordingly.
  2. If the visor is cracked or scratched don’t get a whole new helmet, you can find replacements for visors anywhere, but make sure to find the right size for your respective helmet.
  3. Lastly, make sure your gloves, boots, and pants are all in great condition. No holes in any of those products you own, and if they are compromised, make sure to switch them out with something new immediately.

Warnings

  • Dealing with motorcycles can be a fun and enjoyable time when properly done, always make sure someone is accompanying you in any cases of mechanical tinkering. Do not be afraid to consult the proper professional with help on any parts of getting your motorcycle ready for the new season.
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