Well we made it, spring time. I can’t wait to jump on my bike and take if for a quick spin. But don’t forget to inspect your bike thoroughly before hitting the roads. There isn’t a worse feeling than when you are riding and all sudden I remember that I haven’t checked the tire pressure and start thinking something might be wrong with my bike.
So here is a list of things you can do. This is by no means a complete list, but it covers a lot. I did a lot of this in the fall but somethings are worth checking twice.
Walk Around
- Look for leaks (I find it difficult to hand tightened my oil filter, it tends to leak a bit)
- Check horn and lights
- Paperwork, where did I put the new insurance?
- Adjust mirrors or anything that might have been moved while getting your bike out of storage.
Battery
- Check voltage – min 12.5v fully charged
- Check battery age – 5 yrs. max
- Clean terminals & re-apply dialectic grease
- Check fuses and have a stash on hand
Tires & Wheels (make the bike go around)
- Check tire tread depth
- Check tire age
- Check tire condition (dry rot/cracks)
- Check tire pressure
Drive
- Clean & Lubricate chain
- Inspect sprockets/chain for wear or belt/pulley
- Adjust belt/chain tension
Brakes
- Check pads for remaining thickness
- Inspect rotors for scoring, wearing
- Inspect brake line hose for signs of wear
- Replace brake fluid every 2 yrs. or if discolored
Fluids
- Replace coolant every 2 years or if discolored
- Check oil/filter as recommended (change if you didn’t in the fall)
Filters
- Inspect air filter
- Inspect fuel filters
- Controls
- Lubricate control cables
- Adjust cable for free play
- Now just add fresh fuel and go for a ride!!
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