It’s time to take off the covers and prepare your bike for a fun-filled riding season. Yes, spring has arrived, which means pleasant weather, cool winds, and clear blue skies are going to be the norm now. You will find many motorcycle riders enjoying the fresh air and having a good time riding during the day and especially at night.
You should join in the fun but before you do that, you must first inspect your motorbike and make sure it is in a drivable condition. Your motorcycle has been under cover for the entire winter season. That’s a long time for a machine to stay idle, so you must ensure everything is in order before going for your first ride.
Here we will talk about a few things you can do to get your motorcycle ready for spring.
Consult the User Manual
When it comes to motorcycles or any other vehicle, the user manual is considered the holy grail. It has all the necessary information required to keep your bike in perfect condition. The manual tells you about the right type of fuel, the correct engine oil, and other maintenance stuff. You should consult the manual before you do anything else. You can also find a few spring preparation tips in there that must not be overlooked.
Replace the Fuel
Petrol does not react well when it has been sitting in a tank for too long. It is made up of various chemicals that lose their efficacy if left unused. The fuel loses its combustible ability after it goes stale. If you try to start your bike with such fuel, it might run rough or not at all. The problem is more pronounced in motorcycles that have a high compression engine. Therefore, you must use fresh fuel when you are starting your bike after a long time.
Furthermore, stale gasoline is a recipe for disaster as it helps corrode the inside of the tank. The corrosion clogs the fuel lines and causes a problem for the engine. Therefore, you should use a fuel system cleaner to unclog every fuel system component.
Maintain the Battery
When your bike is sitting idle during the winter, you should find some time to start it for a few minutes every few days. Doing so saves the motorcycle's battery from going bad. Not only that, you save yourself some money and the trouble of buying a new battery at the start of the riding season. The issue is not that big if you own a dry battery, since such a battery is maintenance-free and requires no special care. However, you still need to ignite the engine every once in a while.
One smart thing you can do is purchase a trickle charger for the winter season. This innovative product keeps the battery charged and healthy during the off-season, and when it is time to ride, you always have a fully charged battery at your disposal.
Inspect the Tires
The tires are the only thing keeping you and your bike on the road. They provide traction, which gives you more control over your bike, improving handling. If your motorbike tires were nearing the end of their life in winter, you must buy a fresh set. However, if they were fine, all you would need to do is check the tire pressure and the tire surface for any cracks or flat spots. Once you are done with the inspection, fill them up with air and go on your merry way.
Replace the Engine Oil and Filters
The engine is the heart of your motorcycle, which means it should always be in the best shape possible. The only way to achieve that is by changing the engine oil every 3000-5000 miles. The fresh lubricant increases engine life reduces internal temperature and improves engine smoothness. You should consult the user manual to learn about the ideal lubricant for your bike.
Moreover, you should also check the filters. If they are clogged, you must replace them with new ones. In a motorcycle, the oil filter, the air filter, and the fuel filter are extremely important, so do not miss checking them.
Give the Bike A Shower
A thorough cleaning enhances the aesthetic of a motorcycle. You should wash your motorcycle and give it a good shine before leaving on your first leisure trip. Not only will you turn a few heads, but your motorbike will feel great.
Final Thoughts
You should never take motorcycle maintenance lightly. If you want your bike to last a lifetime and run all the time smoothly, then you should always be keen on preparation. Give your motorcycle more attention when parking it for the winter and then again when you take it out for the first spring ride.
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