Have Your Motorcycle Ready for Peak Season With These Tips
Key Points and Takeaways:
- In this blog post, we give out a few tips and suggestions on how to better preserve your motorcycle during the off-season.
- Thoroughly cleaning and properly storing your motorcycle are crucial to the longevity of your bike.
- Changing the oil and checking the fluids prior to storing is strongly recommended.
- Getting a maintenance check and inspection will give you better peace of mind going into peak season.
As soon as the weather cools down and the leaves start to fall, it is time to start thinking about how to preserve your motorcycle for the off-season. Proper maintenance and preservation of your bike during the winter months will ensure that it is ready to ride when spring rolls around.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and advice for keeping your motorcycle in top condition during the off-season. By following these tips, you will be able to fully maximize your riding time by getting a jump start on preserving your motorcycle.
Cleaning and Storing Your Motorcycle
Before storing your motorcycle for the off-season, it is essential to clean it thoroughly to prevent rust and corrosion from forming. This section will cover tips for cleaning your bike, including how to properly wash and dry it, and applying rust inhibitors. Additionally, we will discuss proper storage techniques, including how to cover your bike and where to store it.
- Rinse the motorcycle. You can start off easy by using a low-pressure washer or a bucket of water to remove any loose dirt or grime.
- Use a high-quality cleaner for your motorcycle. Don’t settle for all-in-one or built-for-all cleaners. Get a cleaner that is specifically designed for motorcycles.
- Scrub your motorcycle. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge and avoid using abrasive materials. Get all of your cleaner off with water and dry it completely.
- Apply rust inhibitors. These are optional, but highly recommended. Choose a high-quality rust inhibitor and apply to your motorcycle, especially to those hard-to-reach spots.
- Store your motorcycle in a dry, cool place. Any amount of moisture can cause rust and several other damages to your motorcycle. Get a motorcycle cover to protect your bike from dust, dirt and other weather elements while it is stored in a garage or climate-controlled storage unit.
Oil Changes and Fluid Checks
Just like anything with an engine, it is important to keep up with the oil and fluid levels of your motorcycle. Regular routine maintenance is essential to keeping your bike in top condition, even when it is not being ridden. Here are a list of some key fluids to keep your eye on:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Antifreeze/Water
- Fork oil
- Gas/Fuel
You can preserve your motorcycle by regularly checking on your motorcycle's fluids and oil. Doing so will ensure that your bike is running smoothly and effectively for years to come. We recommend that you keep a note of which brands and types of fluids and oil you are using, and do comprehensive and thorough research as to what is needed and best for your particular motorcycle.
Maintenance Checks
Even though you have not had an opportunity to take your bike out for a ride, it is important to be mindful of where your motorcycle is in regards to its maintenance schedule. Some essential and critical maintenance checks you should perform before riding your bike again in the peak seasons include inspecting your tires, brakes, and chain, as well as checking your lights and horn. We strongly recommend going out and testing your bike before taking it out on long cruises after being stored for a long period of time.
Proper maintenance and care of your motorcycle during the off-season is critical to keeping it in top condition and ready to ride when peak season comes around. By being mindful of your motorcycle's condition, fluid levels and overall maintenance outlined in this blog post, you will be ready to roll when it is time to hit the road.