With spring right around the corner, you are probably eager to get back on your motorcycle to take in the Virginia landscape. However, before you set out on your first post-winter ride, there are some things you need to do to get your motorcycle ready for the road.
If you took the time to winterize your bike by adding fuel stabilizer and putting your battery on a trickle charger — or removing it altogether — you should be able to crank it up with ease. Even if the engine fires right up, it doesn’t mean that you should climb aboard and set off on a day-long Sunday ride. Before leaving your driveway, use the following as a guide to checklist to ensure your bike is road-ready.
Fuel
Gasoline breaks down fast. It can cause problems if it clogs the injectors and jets on your motorcycle. While the fuel stabilizer you used to winterize your bike should help, you still need a tank of fresh gas. As unexciting as it is, your first motorcycle trip should be to the nearest gas station.
Tires
During the long winter months, your tires can suffer. Don’t be surprised to find them deflated or cracked when you examine them before taking your first spring ride. Even if you don’t see any obvious signs of damage, you should still do a thorough check of both tires to make sure they have the proper air pressure.
Oil, antifreeze and brake fluid
The fluids in your bike are extremely important to your motorcycle’s overall health. Thus, you should take the time to ensure that all of your fluids are at the correct levels. In addition, examine the area where you stored your bike over the winter for any signs of leakage.
Suspension
As it is with most machines, rust is one of the biggest threats to your motorcycle. During the winter, rust can easily begin to build on the suspension components and cause the seals to fail. Carefully look over the fork tubes and rear shock shaft for signs of rust. If you find some, you can use steel wool to remove it, along with any other tarnish.
Before you head out on your first motorcycle ride this spring, be certain that your bike is road-ready. By taking the time to properly prepare and de-winterize your motorcycle, you decrease your chances of a breakdown or crash. However, even if you take extra special care of your bike and always ride safely, you may not be able to avoid a motorcycle wreck. If you suffer any injuries due to a collision with a reckless driver, you might be able to take legal action.