The weather’s beginning to trend warmer, and for motorcycle riders, that can only mean one thing: It’s almost peak riding season.
But before bikers can hop on and hit the road, they’d be advised to go through a spring maintenance and cleaning list, especially if their bikes have sat for several months without use. Without walking through this list, motorcycle owners risk operating bikes that are not safe to ride or won’t operate efficiently, which could lead to expensive repairs down the road.
In this guide, we’ve put together a useful list of the tasks that will help you make sure your motorcycle is in ready-to-ride condition. Here’s what you need to get done before you head out on your first road trip of the season.
Pre-season motorcycle assessment
First, let’s tackle the basics. Conduct a pre-season motorcycle assessment by inspecting your bike for any visible damage or issues.
Be sure to look at:
- Tires: Take a close look at your tires for any major scuffs, cracking or punctures. These may not be causing a noticeable leak – yet – but you will want to get any issues addressed before getting on the road. Even if there’s no visible issues with the tires, make sure you check pressure and tread depth.
- Brakes: Look at brake pads for wear and brake lines for leaks or other issues. Again, any problems need to be repaired before the motorcycle can be operated safely.
- Lights: This one’s straightforward. Ensure all lights are operable.
- Spark plugs: If dirty, spark plugs may not work and you could end up going nowhere when the friends call and ask you to meet up. Replace dirty or damaged spark plugs.
Top off fluids
During spring maintenance, check all fluid levels and top off any that need refills. Take a look at the space below where the bike was stored and look for spots that may indicate leaks.
Fluids to check include:
- Oil (check the filter, too)
- Brake fluid
- Flush coolant
- Change gasoline and consider adding a fuel stabilizer if leftover gasoline has sat in the tank
Clean and test the battery
Next up, the battery. A clean battery that’s operating with a strong charge will help ensure smooth rides that don’t end abruptly in inopportune locations.
Inspect the battery terminals and clean them if they appear dirty. Dirty battery terminals can cause a poor connection and performance.
Cleaning agents are available that can help you remove dirt and debris that may have built up on the battery. Be sure to use proper gloves and eye protection.
After the battery is clean, test its charge. If you’ve connected a trickle charger (also referred to as a battery tender) over the winter, then you likely will have no issues with a charge. But if not, now’s the time to consider purchasing and connecting a trickle charger.
Once the battery has enough charge, you can take it out for a longer ride to ensure the battery recharges properly.
Chain and drive maintenance tips
Always inspect a motorcycle’s drive chain or drive belt for signs of wear and tear, especially during early riding season spring maintenance. If you notice any damage, then it’s time to bring it into a mechanic or, if you’re able, repair it yourself.
Check that the chain is tight and adjust as necessary. The chain may also need to be cleaned and lubricated, but take care not to get any of the lubricant on the rear tire.
Get your bike looking its best
Now, after those maintenance tasks are all checked off your list, it’s time to clean. Impress your fellow riders with a bike that looks almost new by washing off all the winter grime and salt, if you were lucky enough to get it out, or the dust that may have gathered while it hibernated in the garage.
After you’ve given your ride a good, thorough cleaning, take a few additional moments to apply a quality wax to protect the paint, chrome and finish. A high-quality wax gives motorcycles a noticeable shine that’s sure to make their owners proud. Waxes also protect bikes from elements that could cause aesthetic harm, including UV rays, water and dirt.
Check your safety gear
Before you can head out on your first ride of the year, you need to review your inventory of personal protective gear for the season. It’s time to put any cold weather gear away for storage and bring out the everyday gear and rain suit.
Here’s the gear you will need to inspect and check that it’s still up to the task of protecting you from harm.
Helmet
Even if you are operating a motorcycle in a state or municipality that does not require helmets, it’s always a good idea to protect your face and head. It should go without saying, but helmets are lifesavers. Make sure yours is in good condition and still fits properly.
Jacket and pants
Whether leather or another protective fabric, well-fitted jackets and pants can protect you from painful injury in the case of a crash. They also offer protection from weather, such as rain and wind.
Boots and gloves
Boots and gloves that are both sturdy and fit snugly can be game-changers for riders. Not only do they increase comfort, but they also offer support.
Consider a motorcycle hitch
One final suggestion before we let you take off and hit the road and close the book on spring maintenance and cleaning. If you’ve got plans of a long ride or a ride toward a destination where you will need to bring items or other gear with you, consider purchasing a motorcycle hitch.
A quality hitch allows riders to:
- Increase storage space
- Tow lightweight trailers
- Offer a balanced weight distribution during rides
- Provide the benefit of convenience for longer trips
At HitchDoc Outdoors, we manufacture motorcycle hitches for a wide variety of makes and models. The addition of a hitch is a true game-changer and gives you flexibility when planning trips and rides.
Plus, hitches can be installed by yourself by following the correct process, or by a trusted mechanic. Either way, installing a hitch on your motorcycle is not a decision you will regret.