How To Prepare Your Motorcycle For Spring

You shouldn't take your motorcycle straight from long-term storage onto the open road. There are some key maintenance tasks that need to be tackled first, which will help optimize your motorcycle's performance and prevent damage from occurring. Use the following guide to get your motorcycle ready for spring riding.

If you want more maintenance advice or want to shop motorcycles for sale, contact Biggs Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is based in San Marcos, California, and we also proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside.

Tend To The Battery

The battery maintenance depends on how you stored it. If it was connected to a battery tender, it should be fully charged and ready to ride. If it stayed on your motorcycle, it's likely drained and needs to be charged. Either way, be sure to also check the battery for any signs of damage or corrosion.

Check The Fluids

Inspect the motorcycle's oil with a dipstick. Black or sludgy oil should be replaced and oil with metallic flecks indicates a motorcycle service department appointment is in order. Then, inspect the brake fluid and top off as needed.

Tend To The Chassis

Do a visual inspection for minor damage or cracks along the weld lines. If the motorcycle operations manual recommends it, you can also lube up any linkages and flex points.

Check The Lights

Test the motorcycle's turn signals, brake lights, and headlights. If any are dim or bunt out, go ahead and replace them.

Inspect The Tires

Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure levels, then adjust as needed to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Next, measure the tread levels. Tread gets worn down through use, but it eventually gets too worn down to safely maintain traction with the road. The owner's manual should tell you when to replace worn down tires.

Test The Brakes

Go for a short motorcycle ride and test the brakes. They should be operating normally. If you notice any grinding, slipping, or odd noises, visit a motorcycle dealership's service department and let the professionals diagnose and fix any issues.

Check The Motorcycle Maintenance Records

Now is a great time to look over the motorcycle's maintenance records. There may be regular maintenance tasks that are coming due and you may want to get those handled before hitting the road.

Get Yourself Ready

If you haven't been riding the last few months, take it slow. Motorcycle riding is an athletic activity and you may be a bit out of shape or out of practice. Plan on your first few spring motorcycle rides being short and build up to your past endurance levels.

Need any professional maintenance help to get your motorcycle ready for spring riding? Looking to purchase a motorcycle? Whatever you need, you can find at Biggs Harley-Davidson. Reach out or stop by our dealership in San Marcos, California. We also serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, California.