A Maintenance Checklist to Get Your Motorcycle Road-Ready
There are many factors that contribute to your safety on a motorcycle, but one of the most important is consistent, thorough and regular maintenance of your bike. You may already have some miles in this summer, but it’s never too late to run through a checklist to make certain your bike operates at peak performance.
If your motorcycle’s been idle for more than about six weeks, it’s usually a good idea to drain the fuel tank (including the carburetors) and put in new gas. While you’re at it, check the oil to make certain the level’s where it should be. Check the battery, too—it’s the most common problem with a bike that’s been in the garage for the winter.
Before you pull out onto the road, check your brakes. Look at the pads, check the lines and make certain you have plenty of fluid. Do a couple of loops in the driveway, testing the front and back brakes individually, listening for scraping or squealing and confirming that they respond properly.
Look at your tires, too. If there’s any evidence of cracking or dry rot, put new tires on before you hit the road. Make certain your tire pressure is good, too. Low pressure can make handling the bike a challenge.
Your gear is also a part of good maintenance. Make certain your helmet, jacket and gloves are in good shape and will provide the protection you need.
Lastly—do a little personal maintenance as well. If it’s been a while since you’ve been on the bike, take a couple easy laps around the block first. Re-acquaint yourself with all the controls, from the throttle to the brakes to the steering.
Contact Weber & Nierenberg
Contact us by e-mail or call 1-866-288-6010 to schedule an appointment with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney. We have fought for the rights of injured motorcyclists in California for more than 30 years. We understand that every accident is different. We will fully investigate the details of your accident, so that we can aggressively pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Leave a Reply