How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Summer Riding
It's time to break your motorcycle out of hibernation after a long winter. Just like a pet eager to stretch its legs after a long day indoors, your two-wheeler is excited to hit the road again. A tune-up will ensure it's in top shape and ready for adventure after its long rest. A summer of high temperatures, long riding days and meandering drives will put your precious bike through the wringer.
From learning how to properly wash a motorcycle to testing the battery, discover how to get your motorcycle ready for the busiest season of the year to maximize your time on the road.
Clean, Inspect and Lubricate
The condition of your ride may have changed since your last outing. Look for signs of wear and tear along the exterior and clean individual components as you go. If a part appears damaged, cracked or sticky, disassemble the system to investigate further or visit your local mechanic for a tune-up.
Once the system is clean, replace leaky and rusted parts and lubricate moving parts to reduce friction. With regular maintenance, a standard factory chain will usually last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. However, aggressive acceleration, high torque and poor maintenance can cut your chain’s lifespan in half. Replace the chain if the links appear worn, with whittled-down teeth frequently falling out of place. Recalibrate tension if there’s more than a half inch of give.
Not wiping down your bike before you stash it during the off-season makes your job harder. Mud and dirt may still be caked onto the sides, increasing the risk of oxidation. Check for pests, obstructions and loose connections before you ride.
Off-roading requires a deeper cleaning, as debris infiltrates hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Remove and thoroughly clean exposed parts before securely reattaching them. Learning how to wash a motorcycle the right way will help remove stuck-on dirt and grime.
Try on Your Gear
You can’t ride without the proper safety equipment, even if your bike is in great shape. Clean and inspect your half- or full-face helmet, goggles, gloves, boots and pads to ensure they survived the winter intact. How you store your safety gear when it’s not in use will determine whether it’s safe and effective. Fabrics can stretch or break after being nibbled on by pests. Others can lose their protective or moisture-wicking properties when laundered incorrectly.
Your helmet should fit the same as last year and not fall off or shift when leaning over. Replace it if it has been in an accident since your last trip. Ride responsibly to reduce your risk of getting into an accident. Pair your helmet with a motorcycle Bluetooth headset to communicate wirelessly with your companion instead of using hand signals. The device fits seamlessly onto your existing gear without blocking your view. It connects automatically when in range to keep you focused on the road.
Replace Fluids
Your motorcycle needs a fresh batch of oil to increase lubrication, fuel that hasn’t been sitting in the tank all winter, brake fluid and coolant to prevent overheating.
Monitor fuel efficiency, braking power and fluid levels frequently during the first few weeks of summer. Leaving oil and gas in the tank can lead to water separation, spreading rust and debris throughout the engine. Using dirty oil, fuel and coolant reduces power and efficiency. If your fluids appear cloudy after you replace them, flush the system to remove blockages.
Test the Engine, Battery and Brakes
When turning on the engine, listen for strange grinding or rattling sounds, watch for smoke from the tailpipe and keep your nose peeled for obnoxious odors, all signs of a dying or malfunctioning engine.
Test the electrical components, including your head and tail lights, turn signals and port connections to mount your smartphone or GPS. Rust, leaks and cold weather will reduce the battery’s electrical output, resulting in dimmer lights that reduce visibility.
To test the brakes, bring the bike to a stop while traveling at a low to moderate speed. The pedals should be within reach, and the pads should be at least a quarter-inch thick.
Optimize Tire Pressure
Your tires will be your first point of contact with the road, which has likely changed considerably since your last ride. Inspect the rubber for weak spots, worn tread patterns and nicks that could easily lead to a flat when driving over potholes and cracks caused by extreme weather.
Sweltering temperatures will also change your psi levels. Expect air pressure to increase by two psi as temperatures rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day. Excess heat can lead to overinflation, reducing traction on soft terrain like sand, dirt and mud.
Prepare to Stay Cool
The days are getting hotter and longer, which can extend the length of your trip. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and cover exposed areas during long rides in the sun. Wear light garments made of nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials to keep moisture at bay. Nothing ruins your commute like arriving at your destination drenched in sweat.
Summer may be the best time to ride, but your bike needs a thorough inspection before you hit the road. Clean off debris, replace broken parts and test the fit of your safety gear. Prepare to be in the sun for hours at a time to go the extra distance without feeling fatigued.
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