Start of the season motorcycle tips

With Dayton Bike Week and spring season just ahead, I have comprised a "Motorcycle To Do" list that will help you bring your bike out of winter storage. This is a simple list of checks and tips that could save you lots of time and money this riding season. Do all of the following steps BEFORE starting the bike for the first time.

1) Set aside time a few weeks before the season starts to give your bike a "once over". This way if you do encounter a problem you will have plenty of time to get it fixed before you want to head out on your first ride.

2) Roll your bike into a well lit, clean area to perform the following checks. You may want to use a work light to see in the darker areas.

3) Charge your battery. You may want to consider how old your battery is? If your battery is more than 5 years old and it hasn't been placed on a trickle charger on a regular basis, it should be replaced. Has the bike been sitting in storage for a long period of time? Was the battery kept on a regular charging schedule or was a motorcycle trickle charger used? If there's any doubt about the condition of a battery, check it out and replace it!

4)Change your oil. If you changed it in the fall when you put the bike away, you should be fine. However, if your bike has been in storage for more than 8 months, I recommend that you change the oil again. Check your other fluid levels such as coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluids.

5) Check your tires for wear and "dry rot". Look for any cracks in the tread or side walls. Properly inflate your tire to the manufacturers recommendations.

6) Remove and clean your spark plugs. Replace if they seem extremely worn or if any part of the ceramic is cracked or damaged. Check your spark plug wires for any signs of drying out.

7)Check all of the lighting on the bike. Both high and low beams of the headlight, running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. It is very common for incandescent bulbs to burn out after sitting for long periods of time in cold weather. A great way to solve this problem is to convert your motorcycle lighting over to LED's. There are a wide variety of LED Turn signal, LED brake lights, and LED replacement bulbs available for just about any bike. Rememeber, LED's can last up to 100,000 hours and many have life time warranties.

8) Check your mirrors. Pivoting mirrors can come loose and can spoil a ride if they are not tightened properly.

9) Check your fuel. Remove and properly discard any fuel that has been sitting( untreated) in your tank for more than 1 year.

Remember, your bike will come OUT of winter storage much easier if you have put it INTO winter storage properly.
Have fun and ride safe.
Chris