Spring has arrived and you are ready take your motorcycle out for the first time this year.
Here is a list of items you should check before you take that first ride.
- Battery: Is it charged? Seems simple enough, but sometimes it’s the simple things we miss!
- Oil Level: Make sure you read your owners manual to find out the correct way to check your oil level and what the correct level should be.
- Brake Pads: Still see some left? Good. If not, consider replacing them before they get too low and damage the rotors.
- Brake Rotors: Look a little rusty? Sometimes from sitting over the winter a little break dust or rust forms on the rotors, just use some steel wool to make sure they are clean and dry.
- Tires: Check the pressure, the depth and also for cracks, dry rot, and nails.
- Fork Tubes: Make sure there isn’t any fork oil anywhere on the tubes, if there is, don’t just wipe it off, contact your dealer, chances are it will come back and you don’t want them leaking while you are riding.
- Lights: Brake lights, turn signals, headlights, make sure they work so other drivers will see you.
- Fuel: Hopefully you winterized your motorcycle, if not, make sure you have enough fuel and the fuel is fresh, once again, check with your dealer if it smells bad and you are unsure what to do.
- Gear: How old is your helmet? Where are those gloves? Make sure you have your gear ready to go, even a ride around the block can be unpredictable; make sure you are protected.
It all seems simple enough, but many riders get on their motorcycles on that first warm day, only to find the battery dead, bulbs burnt out, or even a flat tire. Consider doing it before the warm weather comes, if you do need anything, you’ll beat the crowds at the dealer and be ready to go!
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