While motorcyclists can enjoy a level of speed and handling matched by few other vehicles, motorcycles are also a bit riskier than riding around in a car or truck because of those merits. While any serious cyclist should never head out without at least wearing a helmet and likely some body protection, there are several elements of cycle maintenance that you should be mindful of before revving it up and heading off.
Walkaround
This is the most basic precaution. Look for signs of leakage, anything like oil streaks or dirt down your fork can indicate that the fork’s seals are failing. If there are drips under your bike, that could be coolant, oil, fuel, etc. If the leaking has been a prolonged issue, you may need to clear out your bike to figure out the problem. Lastly, check the pivot points and moving parts for any sign of wear or trouble, especially your kickstand pivots, swingarm, and suspension linkages.
Remember Your Fuel
Unless you drive throughout the winter, you need to change your fuel. Since gas gets stale when it idles for too long, break out a siphon pump to purge the old gas, then reload with something fresh.
Change Your Oil
Neglecting to change out the oil and replace your filter can make a huge dent in your bike’s performance and life.
Check the Battery
Some riders disconnect their batteries in winter, then recharge once every 1-2 months. While reconnection is usually all you need to go cycling, this is a different case if your bike was sitting for the entire season as your battery may have gone dead. New batteries should be easy to charge but if your battery is a few years old, the charge might not last, or charging it may take ages; if you notice either issue, it may be best to buy a new replacement. you might also consider investing in a maintenance charger so that your batteries will be ready to go at any time.
Check the Tires
Unless you are rocking a motor tricycle, you only have two wheels to work with, and driving around with even one compromised tire is a major safety concern. Confirm that your air pressure is safe for riding and check that your tread’s depth will give you the traction you need. If your air pressure and tread are good, check for cracks or rot within the sidewall of your tires.
Inspect the Chain
The chain is among the most vital components but all of that exposure to the elements can loosen or degrade it. Confirm that it is as tight and lubricated as it should be and feel free to clean it and reapply lubricant as needed.
Check All of Your Fluids
Oil and gasoline are only some of the liquids that bikes need. Brake fluid and coolant also matter and as previously mentioned, can leak out if the bike remains stationary for long periods of time. Double-check your fluid levels and then either refill them as needed or swap them out for fresh ones.
Remember Your Cables
Oil and grease will dry up within your cable housing as time passes and this can influence the performance of your clutch and throttle. Check your clutch, brakes, throttle, choke, and all other cables to confirm that they work as intended without any fraying.
Clean It Up
Confirm that your bike is thoroughly cleaned. Not only will this keep your bike looking good, but it also safeguards the paint and can even keep the bike functioning in good condition.
Conclusion
Take the time to inspect your motorcycle before you ride will ensure it is in good working order and prevent mechanical issues down the line. Making sure your lights, brakes and tires are properly maintained can also prevent you from getting in an accident. Motorcycle accidents can occur for a number of reasons and can be a real danger for riders. In Spokane County, Washington alone there were 161 accidents resulting in 14 deaths in 2022. Make sure your bike is maintained properly can help you avoid an accident and enjoy a smooth ride.
