It’s March, there’s been a glimmer of sunshine, and the UK lockdown is easing over the next few months! If you’re as excited about the upcoming riding season as we are, and your motorbike has been in hibernation over the winter months, it’s worth taking time to get your bike ready for those Spring rides.
- First things first; give your motorcycle a good clean. Not only is washing your bike a great way to wash any garage grim off, cleaning each part thoroughly will help you spot any wear and tear or leaks more easily.
- Tyres – Check the tyres for any cracks or dry rot. Ensure there’s enough tread to last the season and check the air pressure.
- Battery – If your battery’s been on a trickle charger, it should be fully charged. If not, plug one in now as sitting in storage tends to drain the battery fast. Check the battery cables are securely connected and that everything looks in working order.
- Lights – Test the headlights (high and low beam), indicators and brake lights. Replace any faulty bulbs if necessary.
- Brakes – Check the brake pads to see how worn they are and test both sets of brakes separately. If you hear any squealing or scraping sounds, it could indicate wear or other issues worth checking with your local garage.
- Fluids – Check the levels of your bike’s oil, petrol, hydraulic fluid, coolant and brake fluid. If the colour or consistency of any fluids don’t look right, or there’s dirt present, it needs to be drained and replaced. Did you change the oil and oil filter before tucking your bike away for winter? If not, change them before you head out.
- Controls – Test all your motorbike’s controls to ensure its road ready. The steering, clutch, throttle, and other key controls are all worth checking.
- Gear – Check your gear (especially the helmet) for any general wear and tear and ensure it’s all in good enough condition to protect you well for another season.
- Finally, take your bike for a short ride to check that everything is operating as it should be and that no warning lights appear on your dash. (Need to brush up on what warning lights mean what? Read this guide from the RAC.)
Always refer to your manufacturer’s manual for further recommendations and remember nothing beats getting your motorbike professionally serviced regularly. Happy riding!