Seasonal Motorcycle Maintenance: How to Prep Your Bike for Summer Riding

 

This past winter was a bit of a strange one, wasn’t it? Some corners of the country saw colder temperatures and more snow than they have in over a decade. Others got a little bit of a pardon from their usual cold and enjoyed record-breaking warmth for at least part of the season. Of course, warm is a relative term. Despite some of the highest winter temperatures in recent history, it was still fairly frigid in those areas.

 

Either way, for the last several months, bikers across America have been united in their readiness to see riding season come back around. Finally, their wishes are coming true. Summer is creeping in and pushing out the unpleasant weather for a while.

 

With that being the case, millions of people are getting their bikes out of winter storage and gearing up to get back on the road. No matter how anxious you are to feel the wind on your face again, though, it’s best not to just jump on your motorcycle and take off. Even if you took extra measures to winterize your bike, sitting idle for a few months may have taken a toll on it.

 

How Do I Prepare a Motorcycle for Summer?

 

Any number of things could go wrong while a bike is in storage for the winter. Covering the following points will help ensure that your motorcycle is safe to ride and set to perform at its best this summer. They’ll also go a long way toward minimizing breakdowns and repair costs.

 

What if you’re thinking of selling a motorcycle and upgrading to a new one? These summer prep tips are important for you as well. They’ll help give the next owner the best possible riding experience and may even get you more money out of the deal.

 

Check the Fluids

 

One of the most effective steps you can take to get a bike ready for summer is checking the fluids. That’s also one of the best places to start with your pre-summer inspection. After all, if there’s a problem with any of the fluids, it could lead to even more issues down the road.

 

Oil

 

Oil is one of the most important fluids for any type of vehicle. Be sure the bike has the right amount of oil even if you topped it off at the end of last year’s riding season. If you know it was full when you put the bike away for the winter and it’s low now, that’s a surefire sign you have a leak somewhere.

 

Consider how the oil looks too. If it’s too dark or thin or looks dirty, you may want to have it changed before getting the riding season started. That’ll keep the engine protected and help it perform better for you. If it has been a while since the last oil change, taking care of that now is definitely recommended even if the oil looks fine.

 

Brake Fluid

 

Checking the bike’s brake fluid is also crucial. Take a look at the color of the fluid. If it’s dark, that may mean it’s old and contaminated. Cloudy fluid may mean there’s moisture mixed in. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, especially if a bike isn’t stored in a climate-controlled space for the winter. When that happens, it’ll reduce your stopping power.

 

In either case, you may need to flush the brake system and add new fluid. Flushing and replacing the fluid every year or two is advised anyway. If the brake fluid looks good, be sure the reservoir is properly filled, and top it off it need be.

 

Coolant

 

Most motorcycles are air cooled, so checking their coolant is a moot point. Some of the newer models are exceptions to the rule, though. If your bike is liquid cooled, don’t forget to check it. Make sure the coolant looks clean and the radiator and reservoir are appropriately full. If the coolant looks discolored or has rust particles floating in it, consider having the system drained and flushed.

 

Check the Tires

 

Your motorcycle’s tires are one of the keys to keeping you safe and having a smooth ride, so being sure they’re in good condition should be part of your prepping process. Look for cracks, dry rot, and flat spots from sitting idle all winter. Inspect for screws, nails, or other intruders. Check the tread depth and air pressure too.

 

If you find damage or significant wear, have the tires replaced as soon as possible. It’s not uncommon for tires to lose pressure over time because air expands and contracts depending on the temperature. If the air pressure is low, bump it up per the manufacturer’s recommendations before riding too far.

 

Test the Battery

 

One of the most common problems people face when they start getting their motorcycles ready for summer is a dead battery. Cold weather and not being started up for a few months can easily drain even a new, high-quality battery. Besides that, problems can develop with the cables and terminals.

 

If you have a maintainable battery, start by checking its water levels and add more if needed. That’s not necessary with self-maintained batteries. From there, check the battery’s charge and recharge it if you need to. If it won’t hold a charge, you’ll probably need to replace it.

 

You’ll also need to check for corrosion on the battery terminals and clean them if necessary. Be sure the battery cables are in good condition and making solid connections with the terminals as well. If they’re not, they’ll need to be repaired, replaced, or at the very least, tightened.

 

Inspect and Test the Brakes

 

We’ve already talked about checking your bike’s brake fluid, but that’s only part of the picture. The whole brake system needs to be inspected and tested. Check the pads to be sure they’re not worn out. Look over the brake lines for cracks or leaks. Check the calipers and rotors for damage.

 

Then, test the brakes to be sure they feel right. If they’re spongy, weak, or they don’t seem to engage as smoothly as they did last season, you’ll need to do some brake work before getting your summer riding underway. That’s also the case if your bike feels like it’s pulling to one side when braking.

 

Lubricate and Adjust the Chain

 

Your bike’s drive chain is equally important. Check it over for buildup, rust, or signs of damage, and be sure it’s not too tight or too loose. Your owner’s manual can tell you how much slack the chain should have. There may also be a sticker on the swingarm that offers that type of information, or you can look up your make and model online if you need to.

 

Clean and adjust the chain as needed. Make sure it’s properly lubricated. While you’re doing that, don’t forget to check the front and rear sprockets for wear and damage.

 

Check the Fuel System

 

Checking your bike’s fuel system is also a good idea. Look for cracks and leaks in the fuel lines, and be sure the filter is clean and undamaged. Check the carburetors or injectors for buildup as well.

 

You might even want to drain the old gas out of the tank and replace it if the bike has been sitting for more than three months unless you added fuel stabilizer before putting it in storage. Gas can potentially lose its combustibility over time. That might make your bike run rough or even keep it from starting at all.

 

Test the Lights and Electrical System

 

Checking over your motorcycle’s electrical system and everything connected to it is also recommended. Confirm that the headlight, taillights, turn signals, break lights, horn, and gauges all work properly. Inspect the wiring for loose connections or damage and replace any frayed wires or bulbs that aren’t working.

 

Additionally, take a look at your spark plugs and plug wires or coils. Be sure they’re clean and in good condition. If they’re not, they could make your bike run poorly or even leave you stranded at some point.

 

Inspect the Air Filter and Intake

 

Keep the air filters and intake in mind too. If air isn’t flowing freely, it could hamper your bike’s performance and efficiency. If your air filter is dirty or damp, it should be changed before riding. Check the intake for damage and blockages. Rodents might have even built little nests in the intake over the winter. If so, they’ll need to be cleared out.

 

Check the Suspension

 

Another important point to cover is the suspension. Look for leaks around the fork seals and rust on the shocks and other components. Be sure the suspension doesn’t feel too stiff, or not stiff enough as the case may be. Making sure the suspension is in good shape will help make your summer rides both safer and more comfortable.

 

Test the Cables and Controls

 

Going unused over the winter can affect a motorcycle’s throttle and clutch controls as well. They might stiffen up or completely seize. Insect and rodent damage are also distinct possibilities. Those issues can cause serious problems while you’re riding. Check the clutch cable, brake lever, foot controls, and throttle to be sure all of them are in working order.

 

Go For a Test Ride

 

Going over your bike with a fine-tooth comb is a must, but there are some issues that just aren’t obvious until you’re in motion. Before taking off on a road trip, take your bike for a test ride. Be sure it accelerates properly and the brakes respond the way they’re supposed to. Pay attention to how the bike sounds and feels. You know your bike better than anyone. If something just doesn’t feel or sound right, don’t hesitate to have it checked.

 

Making the Most of This Year’s Riding Season

 

We’re all excited to take full advantage of summer and get in as much road time as possible. After all, winter will be back all too soon to put a damper on our two-wheeled adventures. If you don’t put a little time and effort into getting your bike ready for riding season, though, you could end up spending more time in the shop than on the road.

 

You could certainly get away with just checking the oil and making sure the brakes work before getting your summer rides underway. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Whether you do the work yourself or take your bike to a mechanic to have it inspected and serviced, it’ll be well worth the investment. It’ll help keep you on the road, keep repair costs to a minimum, and even go a long way toward maintaining your motorcycle’s value in case you ultimately decide to sell it.