Motorcycle Checklist - Gettin' Ready To Ride

Spring Cleaning, Bagger-Style
Ah yes. It is starting to warm up over most of the country, and it's time to bring your bike out of its deep freeze. You could just strut on out to the garage, throw a leg over the old girl and claw away at your bike until it starts. We all know that's not the way to treat your two-wheeled baby and that being hasty could lead to some major damage for the both of you. We suggest taking a weekend to get your bike ready for the rest of the year, and by following a few simple steps while bringing your bike out of hibernation, it will ensure many trouble-free miles on all those sunny days coming your way.

Battery
You should have your battery charging for at least 24 hours before trying to start your bike after a long winter's nap. Make sure all terminals and ground wires are cleaned. If the case is bulging, replace your battery.

(1.)Though we have the killer set up, battery tenders come as cheap as $40 and should be used anytime the bike is not ridden daily.

(2.)Checking and changing the oil is tops on the list whether your bike has been ridden all winter or not.

(3.)It just so happened that this bike was almost a quart low. No bueno!

Fluids
Check the levels of your engine oil and all other fluids including fuel and brakes. Replace or refill those that need it. If your bike didn't get an oil and filter change prior to winterizing or in the last six months, do so before starting up the bike.

Tires
Start by inflating to tire's specifications on the sidewall or in the owner's manual. Look for weather cracking and test tread depth in several places around the tire. If your tires are cracked or worn, replace before riding.

(4.)Brake fluid can escape through small holes in the lines and should always be checked when the bike sits for any length of time.

(5.)We check our air cleaners monthly for clogging, but it gets the deep clean once a year no matter what.

(6.)Use a cleaning product made especially for the type of filter you have. Gasoline or alcohol can do more harm than good.

Wheels
Check wheels for rust, corrosion or hairline cracks that may have compromised the wheel's integrity. Adjust loose spokes and straighten untrue wheels if needed.

Lights
Check for any cracking or condensation in the lenses. Test your headlamp, signals and tail and brake lights to ensure they are in good working order. This also may be a good time to upgrade to brighter HID and LED lighting.

(7.)Use lots of oil when relubing the filter, then let it sit overnight and wipe off all excess fluid before installing.

(8.)This wheel has no cracks or rust, but we still cleaned and lightly lubed the nipple and rim area to keep out contaminates.

(9.)Upon inspecting the rim and tires, we found a dent in the rim. This will either have to be fixed or replaced by a qualified wheel shop.

Controls
Make sure the throttle twists freely and snaps back in the off position. Check all cables and hoses for damage or cracking. Also check all metal fittings for rust or corrosion.

Brakes
Inspect your brake pads and replace them if they are worn. Check rotors for rust and debris. Also make sure all rotor bolts are tight.

(10.)By using Mr. Lincoln's bronze head, we have determined that this tire is good for at least another thousand miles.

(11.)We found no condensation or cracking in the head or tail lamps on this bike, so we are ready for some night riding.

(12.)After a brief look at the rotor and pads on the bike, we determined that we have at least a few more months of life in them.

Nuts & Bolts
Break out that new torque wrench that you got for Christmas and make sure all miscellaneous fasteners on the bike are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

Supplies
Examine your tool kit to make sure you have all the items necessary to help you in the event of a breakdown. If you do not have a good tool kit, buy one.

(13.)After finding more than the suggested amount of free play in the clutch lever, we had to tighten it up a bit.

(14.)The only thing worse than being stuck on the road is being stuck there in the dark, though this size of flashlight may be overkill for most.

(15.)We hate being stranded on a ride due to some small BS and not having any tools. This CruzTOOLS kit is less than $100.

Legal
Review your insurance policy and vehicle registration to make sure you are up to date and fully covered.