We understand, you have been sitting out in the garage staring at your motorcycle all winter, waiting for that first warm day so that you can get out and ride your favorite roads, stop off at your favorite spot and grab a bite at your most special roadside food vendor. We know you are ready, we know the weather is now ready, but is your bike?

Insurance companies know the best about ill prepared bikes at the beginning of the riding season. The excitement of riding as the spring season comes around has caught our bikes unprepared in the past and the dangers are real so check out our list for 2013 and check out your bike to be sure it is safe to ride before you even fire it up.

Oil and Lube

Lets start with the obvious stuff first. When was your last oil change? If it was before the winter storage you should be fine but check it anyways along with your oil filter. If you did not change the oil before storing for the winter season be sure to change it before you head out this spring. We don’t even need to look at it, if you let it sit all season with old oil inside CHANGE IT!

Tires and Spokes

Don’t wait to feel the vibrations on the road and try to figure out if something is wrong. Tune your spokes (if you have spoked rims of course) and make sure your tires are at the proper inflated PSI. You don’t have to be a genius to know the tire loses air pressure while sitting over the winter. Also check the tire for dry-rot and sidewall cracks. You only have two contact patches on the road so make this a close inspection. You can’t afford to lose a tire on your next ride!

Belt and/or Chain

If you have a belt drive motorcycle make sure there is no dry rot or cracks in it either. Just as the rubber on the tires is important so is you belt drive. You won’t get anywhere if your belt brakes and while there are not many guarantees in this world, we can guarantee you won’t be happy. If the belt drive does not apply to you, don’t think you are free and clear (unless you have a shaft drive). You will have to check your chain to make sure it is fit for the road this season. We like to start by checking the tension to make sure it is no too lose and not too tight. Check your owners manual for chain adjustment procedures. Then, after you have made your adjustments, lube the chain with your manufacturers recommended chain oil to ensure you get the full life out of your chain.

Battery

We always  make sure our batteries are in good shape and that they will hold a charge. This is an easy check and if you have any loss in voltage change it out. It won’t be worth the time and riding lost when it dies unexpectedly.

Gas

Don’t just put gas in the tank. Make sure the gas in there has not turned to sludge. Your local auto parts store has plenty of additives to prevent this for use at the beginning of the season. If you didn’t think ahead and use it before you stored your bike, we suggest you cross your fingers. Lastly, make sure there is enough in the tank to make it to your preferred fuel stop. Duh! you say? Believe it or not, people actually forget this important and obvious step all the time. Do not let it happen to you.

This is our short list for 2013 to get you on the road. Make sure you bike is maintained and current on its service at all times. Get out there and ride safe. Spring is here!!!