Tips to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Spring
As the weather is getting warmer, you might want to explore the sights and sounds of your vicinity with your favorite people. This means that it is time to bring your two-wheeler out of storage and prepare it for your springtime excursions. Don't worry if you are unsure about the maintenance checks to perform on your model for safe and comfortable outings—our guide has you covered.
Read on to learn more, and if you have more questions or need more advice to get your bike ready for your trip, stop by Timms Harley-Davidson Anderson. You will find us in Anderson, South Carolina—so reach out today.
Scope The Area for Pests
It is common for critters like mice and insects to make unused vehicles their home, especially during the cold season—your motorcycle is not an exception. That’s why you will want to inspect your bike before you start de-winterizing it for your trip.
It is a good idea to check your exhaust pipe, motorcycle cover, and luggage compartments to see if any pests are hiding there. Once you have verified it, you can start up your motorcycle.
Wash Your Motorcycle Thoroughly
Now, you will want to give your two-wheeler a quick wash to remove any dust and debris accumulated on it during storage. This will make your bike more appealing and kickoff your springtime excursion on a fantastic note.
Tend To the Battery
Next, you will need to hook up your battery to get your motorcycle ready for your outing. If you had left it connected to a battery tender when storing your bike, all you will need to do is hook it back up. However, if you had kept it attached to the motorcycle, it might have drained during storage. Charge it, hook it up, and make sure there aren’t any signs of corrosion.
Examine the Tires
The health of your tires affects your safety and riding experience. That’s why you’ll want to look over each tire and ensure there aren’t any cracks or damage to the sidewalls. Then you’ll need to adjust the air pressure in them to your manufacturer’s recommendation.
Never ride a bike on bad tires—if you think their overall condition isn’t up to the mark, consider replacing them sooner rather than later.
Look Over the Fluids
Another spring maintenance tip to follow is inspecting the fluids in your motorcycle, including the oil and brake fluid. Use a dipstick to check the oil’s quality and top off any low levels. If the oil appears discolored and sludgy, you’ll need to replace it immediately. Conversely, if you notice any metallic flakes, it might be a sign of internal damage—so seek expert assistance to fix the problem.
We hope these tips help you prepare your motorcycle before hitting the highway. If you have more questions or need help upgrading your bike to the latest model, visit Timms Harley-Davidson Anderson. Our dealership is in Anderson, SC, and we can’t wait to assist you.