MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST TO GET READY FOR SPRING

If it’s been sitting for an extended period, then it’s crucial that you thoroughly inspect the bike in accordance with your owner’s manual requirements.

We’ve created a short spring motorcycle maintenance checklist you can do to get your bike ready while waiting for the first day of the season. That way, you’ll know as soon as you try to start the bike you can ride to your heart’s content.

Our Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist:

1. Make Sure You Are Legal and Road-Ready

Make sure your rego is up to date, and your motorcycle insurance is up to date. Get peace of mind that you are covered in case of an unplanned incident.

Reach out to our insurance specialists today for a quote.

2. Check Your Service Manual

This is the single most vital kit you can keep around your garage. Refer to the manual to see what regular maintenance tips your bike needs and how often you should do it.

We bet there’s at least one thing you can do to improve your bike that’s covered in your manual.

3. Visual Inspection of Your Motorcycle

While this might sound basic, take a quick inspection of every part of the bike for signs of damage.

What’s out of place?

Are there any signs of excessive wear or visible damage where they shouldn’t be?

If you haven’t ridden through the winter, and especially if you keep your bike outside, you should check to ensure that everything is looking in order

A quick look can tell you a lot, especially if you know your motorcycle well.

4. Battery and Electrical Check

Batteries get drained in the cold, harsh winter weather. Nothing kills the mood faster on the first nice day than dead batteries.

Turn your key halfway to make sure that the headlights come on. If they don’t, it’s time to attempt a trickle charge and hope you don’t need a new motorcycle battery.

Does your brake light work?

How about the blinkers?

If the lights work, move on to the rest of your electrical system. Clean the spark plug and battery terminals, check your fuses, and replace whatever needs to be replaced.

5. Check Your Fluid Levels

Fluids power your bike and ensure that you don’t destroy the engine in the process.

Fuel: Fill the tank with some fresh fuel and inspect the fuel lines and seals for cracks in the rubber.

Fuel Tank: How’s the fuel tank—does it need a new fuel filter?

Engine Oil: Check your oil level; it’s probably time for an oil change.

Brake Fluid: Does your brake fluid need a closer look?

6. Lubrication

So many places on your bike can use a little love from a touch of grease.

Your brake lever, pegs, shifters, and other moving parts love to be lubricated.

If that’s in order, when was the last time you checked your clutch and throttle cables, or for that matter, your steering head bearings?

7. Chains and Belts

Unless you are riding a 1942 Harley-Davidson® XA (the only shaft drive Harley-Davidson ever made), you need to inspect your drive system.

Chains and belts wear and need replacing over time. If you are unsure, bring it into the dealership for a check.

8. Tyres and Brakes

Flat tyres can quickly ruin an otherwise great day, but losing control out on the road is a bit slower. This is why inspecting your bike where the rubber truly meets the road is crucial.

Ensure your tyres are holding air at the proper tyre pressure and if not using paddock stands, ensure your tyres haven’t developed flat spots or cracks.

How worn are the tyres?

Do they still have tyre tread in spec with what the tire manufacturer recommends, or are you the owner of sad balding tyres?

9: Brake Check

Confirm the brake cables operate properly.

Check the front and rear brake to ensure your brake pads are still doing their job and that the brake lines are in perfect working order.

Brake pad wear that goes unnoticed can be dangerous!

10. Make Sure Everything’s Tight (But Not Too Tight)!

Critical fasteners should be checked at specific mileage intervals based on the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner’s manual. In addition, each fastener has a specific torque value that is defined in the Service Manual.

If maintenance is required it’s best to take your bike to a professional or dealer for servicing.

There’s nothing worse than having to drill out a bolt and go through the process of rethreading or sizing a piece because you overtightened or lost a part on the road.

11. Clean Up

Check your air filter and all the nooks and crannies to ensure you are cleaned up.

If there’s nothing else to be done, it’s time to give the bike a bath and a wax; that way, your pride, and joy is gleaming on day one.

12. Enjoy the Warm Weather on The Open Road

Take to the streets with joy; it's riding season.