A Simple Checklist to Get Your Motorcycle Ready to Ride for Spring

Spring is right around the corner, so before it actually arrives, take some time to give your motorcycle a safety check, so your bike is ready to roll when you are.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Seattle, WA area, unless you’re a “die-hard biker”, riding a motorcycle from late fall to early spring  is a less than great activity…it’s too wet, windy and cold. Like most NW bikers, your motorcycle has been sitting, covered up in the garage. So, now is the perfect time to do some maintenance on your bike (you know you can’t wait) to make sure it’s safe and ready to take out on the road.

Whether your bike is a cruiser, an off-road bike or a sport bike –

Follow this simple safety checklist so you can ride safe:

• It’s hard to say which area of your bike is the most important, because when you’re out riding, all parts and systems of your bike are important, so we’ll just start where your bike connects with the road – your tires. You need to know that the tires are in top shape to help you corner well, stop when you need to stop, and grip the road through all road conditions. Inspect both tires for
  • Good tread
  • Abnormal wear patterns
  • Cracks
  • Bumps
  • Punctures by nails, screws or other foreign objects
  • Make sure the tire pressure is what the manufacturer recommends
  • While you’re at it, check the wheels and spokes for any irregularities
• Working in conjunction with your tires are your brakes. Although your front brake does most of the heavy work, both front and rear brakes need to be checked individually, to insure they are both in top working condition.
  • Listen for squealing or rubbing noises
  • Check the brake pads to make sure they aren’t worn down to the metal
  • Make sure your brake lines are free from cracks or leaks
  • Check to make sure your brake-fluid reservoir is filled
• Check all of your motorcycle’s fluids. We have already mentioned the brake fluids, others to check are:
  • Engine oil
  • Coolant
  • Hydraulic fluid
  • Gear oil
  • Drive shaft oil
• Sitting unused throughout the winter months can be hard on your battery.
  • Make sure the terminals are clean and free from corrosion and dirt
  • Make sure the connections are secure
• Clean your spark plugs and air filter
• Check your belt or chain for wear, weak spots, any other damage or incorrect tension that could compromise how safely it works.
• Make sure all of your lights are working properly…blinkers, headlights, tail lights and brake lights.

If performing these maintenance tasks is either not your “thing” or you don’t have the time, then take your bike into a qualified shop or dealership to make sure everything is in good running order.

Motorcycle Insurance

Many riders that don’t plan on riding during the winter months, take their bike off insurance for those months. If that’s the case for you, re-instate your motorcycle insurance policy before you ride. Also, now would be a good time to check your coverage and insurance options to make sure you are well-insured.

If you’re a biker, Contact Us for a free quote. We’ll go over your current policy with you to get the policy and the rates that are right for you, so you can ride with peace of mind.