Spring has sprung in many parts and motorcyclists are starting to wipe the dust off the motorcycle and hitting the road. Before you ever throw your leg over that seat and kick up the sidestand there are some things that you should give thought to and take action on. First off, any mechanic will tell you that you should change your oil and filter. The temperature changes that your motorcycle experienced over the winter allowed condensation and your oil may have lost some of the protection level that it provided before the winter as this introduced water. Another good thought is to change the spark plugs. Using a new, fresh set of plugs each season gives you optimum performance.
Perhaps the most important mechanical check you can do is to inspect your tires and check the air pressure. Why is this the most important? The other two items that I discussed are related to the mechanical operation of the motorcycle. Tires are related to operation of the motorcycle as well, but they are also the only things that are keeping your butt from sliding across the pavement. Check those tires for evidence of dry rot. Are there any nicks or slices in the sidewalls? Any nails or other items in the tread that may cause pressure loss? Pull out your motorcycle owner’s manual and get the manufacturer recommended tire pressures. If you are high or low, make the appropriate change. Remember, set the tire pressure for the type of riding you will be doing for that day. “That day?”, you ask. Yes, those tire pressures should be checked every day and adjusted for either one up or two up riding. Check your manual. I would guess that there are many of you that have never looked. You are putting yourself and your passenger’s life in jeopardy if you are not using correct tire pressures for the loading.
Another good idea is to check your lights and signals. You don’t want to be oblivious to a burnt out bulb and have that approaching car not receive some kind of signal that you want to turn left across their lane. They are bad enough when you do have a working signal, but let’s not tempt fate here.
Give that motorcycle a good inspection and then turn to your safety gear. Make sure that everything is in good shape from last year. Did you forget about that rip in your rain jacket that is going to open up like the Hoover Dam in the next rain storm? Could you use a new shield on that full face helmet? Do you need new riding boots? Make yourself as prepared as your motorcycle.
Here is hoping that you have a safe and memorable riding season. If you come across a good destination, have a funny riding story to tell, or get great service from a dealer make sure you let us know at Harleymac1@mac.com You just might hear your story on The Motorcycle Nation Podcast (MC Nation) which will be making it’s debut soon.
Ride Safe
HarleyMac1 and The MC Nation
