Spring Cleaning Your Motorcycle
Spring is right around the corner for the rest of us and you know what that means – riding season has officially arrived. We are PUMPED to dust off our bikes and say ‘goodbye’ to winter. But before you roll your bike out of the garage, it’s important to make sure it’s fully ready for that first welcome-back ride of the season. Brush off the cobwebs and get ready to roll with our top tips for spring cleaning your motorcycle.
Make it Shine.
First and foremost, we recommend bringing your beauty back to life with a detailed wash. Get rid of all the dust and make sure your bike wasn’t the home to any rodents or insect nests during the months it spent in hibernation. Give your bike a fresh coat of wax so it not only looks its best, but it’s also protected from the elements during the riding months.
Inspect Your Inspection.
Take a quick look at your safety inspection to ensure you’re not riding an out-of date-motorcycle.
Put Eyes on Your Tires.
Tires are a crucial component of a motorcycle (and a big part of a safe ride), so make sure yours are in good condition before taking your bike out. Look for any cracks, punctures, examine the tread condition, and the general wear and tear in both tires. If you see any issues, you might want to consider buying some new wheels for the upcoming season. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure before hitting the road.
Check Your Fluids.
You’ll want to start by looking at your fuel. If you used a fuel stabilizer during your winter storage prep, it should be in fairly good shape. Check to make sure there’s no gunk or grime when you open the filler cap. We also recommend checking your oil level before riding. Seasoned riders recommend changing your oil and filter (depending on condition) considering your bike has been stagnant for a while.
How’s Your Battery?
If you used a trickle charger during the winter months, your battery will probably be in good shape. If you didn’t, you’ll want to make sure your battery is fully charged before taking a ride. If you see any corrosion, make sure to clean it properly.
Look for Leaks and Examine All the Nuts and Bolts.
Take a walk around your bike and make sure there has been no leakage during storage. Do you spy puddles under the bike? It’s probably time to take a look at your gaskets. We also suggest checking that all nuts and bolts are tightened on your ride.
Test Your Brakes.
Common sense tells us that brakes are pretty important while riding, so make sure yours are in good condition. It’s best riding practice to examine your brake pads and brake-fuel levels before riding.
Verify Lubrication.
It’s a good idea to make sure all of the moving parts on your bike are well-lubricated before you ride. Grab the proper grease for your motorcycle (check the owner’s manual) and get to work.
Check All Electrics.
Test your lights and signals before every ride. No one wants to be stranded on a night ride with a headlight out. If your bike has been sitting for a while, this step is extra important, as bulbs may have been on their last leg at the end of the previous season and finally given up during downtime.
Check Your Other Gear.
Now that you’ve checked out the entirety of your bike, it’s a good time to take a look at the quality of your other motorcycle gear. Make sure your helmet and protective gear are all in good shape (no cracks or tearing). If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it might be a good time for an upgrade or replacement.
Are You Ready to Roll?
If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden your bike remember – it’s okay to take it slow for the first couple of rides (even though it might be hard). Take some time to reacquaint yourself with your bike and its ergonomics, and if you’re feeling a bit rusty, we recommend continuing your biker education by taking a motorcycle safety course. Ride around your neighborhood to get accustomed to starting, stopping, and turning to make sure you’re ready to roll into the season.
Excited about the possibility of riding this spring? Maybe it’s time for a new or different bike. If you’re looking for a motorcycle for the upcoming season, check out thousands of models on CycleTrader.com. We’ll see you out there.
Emily Sullivan
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