Getting Ready for Riding Season

The grey skies are gone and the sun is out. It is time to get out for riding season. Even if you live in warmer climates, where you can ride all year long, it is still good to do a spring time motorcycle check. Doing so limits the risk of problems that could occur. Here are some quick things that you should check before you throw a leg over and get moving.
 
Before anything, disconnect the battery (Negative then positive). Inspect the battery case for any visual damage like cracks. Next, top of the fluids using distilled water and then use a battery tender charge your battery slowly.

You are going to want to check the charge using a voltmeter, about 12 or 13 volts should read when its fully charged. You should also take time to clean the battery and terminals. This can be done with water, mild detergent, and brush. Before reinstalling the batter check the battery cables for any frays and check to makes sure the cables reach without tangle other wires or sitting against any metal.
 
If you stored your bike for the colder months, hopefully you put a fuel stabilizer in a fuel gas tank before storing. If you have, just simply drain and refill. If you haven’t no worries, there are a few things that you can do to get your bike ready to ride. First, drain the fuel because as fuel sits, it rusts and becomes gummy which is not good for your bike. Usually, this is enough but if you want added defense against leftover old fuel you can add something like Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner for Motorcycles.
 
While you are tackling the fuel system, check and clean filters (fuel and air). If your bike is carbureted, clean the petcock filter too.
 
Your spark plugs should be fine but you might as well check it while you are checking everything else. Visual inspect to make sure your spark plugs aren’t burnt and that the gap is still good. You can pick up a spark plug gap tool at any automotive store for cheap or you can just pick up some new ones for the sake of peace of mind.
 
Cold air zaps air out of tires, so more than likely you will need to add air. If your tires use nitrogen you will probably have to swing by a dealer because it is not readily available as air. You are also going to want to make sure that the tread is not below safe levels and that there are no nails are gashes.
 
Just like with cars, if your bike has been sitting for a long time, It might be time to change the oil and filter. If you change it yourself it is not too bad on cost.
 
Visual check your brakes and brake fluid. If it needs to be topped off the top it off. This will be good time to check to see if the chain needs to be tighten or belt needs to be replaced. And if your owner’s manual allows it, lubricate cables.
 
This is by no means a detailed blue print on achieving a spring ready bike but it is a basis for what you should be doing. For the sake of time, details on how to do each step was omitted (like how to add brake fluid) because there are numerous YouTube videos showing you exactly how. If you are a visual learner like me, then a step by step instruction wouldn’t have helped anyhow.
 
If this is your first time readying a motorcycle for spring or you just want someone else to do it. Call your local RideNow Service department and schedule an appointmentfor someone else to do the work while you relax. And as always Ride Safe, Ride Often, and RideNow.