It’s my favorite time of the year, I can’t wait to hit the open road and re-visit the feeling of freedom the motorcycle gives me on the open road. Before I do go out on my first ride of the year I do several things to get my motorcycle ready for spring.
1. Inspect my tires.
Nothing makes me more nervous than my tires on my motorcycle. You need to check the air pressure, look at the amount of tread you have on your tires and something many people forget to do is inspect your tires for cracks. This is always my starting point for having my motorcycle ready for the season.
2. The Fuel System
If you filled your tank up and used a gas stabilizer before putting your motorcycle away for the winter the problems should be minimum. If not you could have two issues, first is parts of gasoline evaporate over winter leaving you with gas that is a little thicker and often called varnish. Varnish can gunk up the jets leaving the bike running a little sluggish and in extreme cases preventing them from running at all. Empty the float bowl and use a little jet cleaner before starting can help you with this.
The second item you could have an issue with is condensation if you didn’t fill your tank up before parking your motorcycle. I just recommend dumping your gas out and getting fresh gas if this is going to be your problem.
3. Check Your Oil
If you didn’t change your oil at the end of last riding season, this would be a good time to change your fluids and your oil filter. Always check your oil level before starting the motorcycle for the first time of the year.
4. Air Filter
Take your air filter out and clean it or replace it.
5. Check Your Tools
Many motorcycles have tools bags that come with the bike. You should confirm all your tools are still there and replace any that are missing. My Road King doesn’t come with tools, yet I have created a kit I keep in my motorcycle.
6. Walk around your motorcycle and inspect for leaks
Look on the ground, on the top of the motor, along the sides of the motor, check your fork to make sure your fork seals aren’t leaking and check all the hoses to see if there is gas, brake fluid or oil leaking.
7. Battery
Top up your battery if you can, you should probably check your battery a bit in advance and make sure that your battery is charged. If not pull your battery and put it on a trickle charger.
8. Brakes
Check your brake pads for wear, check the brake fluid levels and top up if required.
9. Check your chain and belts
Make sure both are clean. If you have a chain make sure it is clean and lubricated, if you have a belt look for signs of fraying.
10. Unplug your exhaust and air intake.
If you plugged your motorcycle exhaust and air intake to prevent rodents or small birds from moving into them make sure you unplug them.
11. Check your gear
Even if you have your motorcycle ready, is your gear ready? Is your helmet, boots, and leathers still good…gloves are often left in the saddle bag between rides and become moldy over winter.
12. Test your own skills.
Get out and test your skills as quickly as you can to sharpen them back up. Hit the empty parking lot and do a couple hard stops, simulate pylons, and some tight maneuvers. Safety always starts with your own skill set so don’t neglect them.