If you put your motorcycle away for the winter, and you’re itching to get back on it now that the weather is warming up, we can relate. But before you get out for that first ride, we recommend giving it a little pre-season TLC.
Here’s your spring cleaning and maintenance checklist to help ensure your motorcycle is in great shape for this season and beyond.
Wash, Dry, and Inspect
First things first, when you take your motorcycle out of storage, take a good look around. Notice any spillage on the ground around your motorbike, or smell any gasoline or other fluids? This might be a sign to inspect lines, hoses, and your gas tank or engine for leaks.
Next, give the body a good wash and dry. This is a good time to take a close look at every part of your motorcycle for any damage or issues that might have occurred last season or in storage. Check for scratches, wear and tear on moving parts, loose bolts, and bends, frays, or corrosion on cables – these can all signal that something might need fixing, tightening, or replacing.
Make sure to check your exhaust and air intake system as well. Depending on where you’ve stored your motorcycle, you might find some small critters in there (ack!) that need clearing out.
Check the Brakes
Brake pads should be inspected for wear: make sure they are intact and a minimum of ⅛-inch thick. If not, replace them. Check for cracks in your brake lines, and test the front and rear brakes separately to make sure they’re good to go.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Use compressed air to clean your air filter, or replace it altogether (especially if you found any unwanted pests or guests in there during your inspection).
Test the Battery
If your motorbike has been sitting in storage all winter, and you didn’t take the battery out beforehand, it’s a good idea to charge and test it. If it’s not holding a charge, or it’s over two years old, you’ll want to replace it.
Inspect Your Tires
Check your tires for signs of wear and damage, like cracking or tearing, worn treads, dry rot, or unusual indents; this might indicate that they need replacing. If they’re good to go, measure the air pressure in the tires and inflate them if needed.
Check All Fluids
Never start a season with an old tank of gas. Drain the gas tank and carburetor if it’s been more than six weeks since you last filled up, as gas will evaporate, thicken, and clog your carburetor jets if it’s left to sit for too long. Adding fuel stabilizer before refilling can help clear stale gas and ethanol that may cause problems, like engine misfiring.
Other fluids to check include oil and antifreeze, plus transmission, hydraulic, and brake fluid. Check all reservoir levels to determine if they need topping up, and see if anything needs replacing by comparing the colours and consistencies of each fluid against a fresh version for discolouration or contamination.
Inspect the Chain
Depending on the type of motorcycle you have, this may not apply. But if yours has a chain, check to see whether it’s sagging at all and if it needs degreasing or lubricating – look to your owner’s manual for guidance on this.
Turn It On and Test It
To ensure the electrical system is in working order, turn on your motorcycle and test the lights (both rear brake and headlights), honk the horn, and check all the gauges, switches, and turn signals.
Next, take your bike outside and run the engine for a few minutes, listening for any unusual noises which might indicate trouble. It’s also a good idea to take your motorcycle for a quick test drive to check out the controls, like the steering, throttle, and clutch. Also feel for any unusual rumbling or vibrations, which can be a sign of mechanical or engine trouble that might need to be looked at by a mechanic.
Polish Your Headlights
Besides testing the headlights to confirm they turn on, you’ll want to make sure they’re shining their brightest. If the lenses seem foggy, you can buy a cleaning kit and polish them to improve visibility. This is not just an aesthetic consideration, as your headlights are an important safety feature for you and other drivers on the road.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about anything, consult your motorcycle’s manual and don’t be afraid to take your bike to a mechanic. They can perform a thorough maintenance check or provide a professional second opinion.
Now, the only thing left to do is plan your next ride! Luckily, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you.