As the sun shines brighter and the days get longer, it’s time to prepare your motorcycle for those exhilarating summer rides. Proper maintenance can help ensure not only a smooth ride but also safety on the road.

Ways to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Summer

Consider the following tips to prepare your motorcycle for summer:

• Fresh fuel—If your motorcycle has been idle over the winter, kick-start your summer rides by filling the tank with fresh fuel. When gasoline remains unused, it can degrade over time. Utilize a siphon pump to extract old gas and replenish the tank with top-quality fuel.
• Oil change—Clean fuel should always be paired with clean oil. Before heading out, change the oil and replace the oil filter. Maintaining fresh oil in your motorcycle is essential for optimal performance and long-term durability.
• Battery check—If you’ve disconnected your battery during winter and periodically recharged it, reconnecting it should prepare you for riding. However, if it has remained untouched, consider charging it or potentially replacing it if it’s several years old and struggles to maintain a charge.
• Tire inspection—It’s important to prioritize regular motorcycle maintenance, and one crucial aspect is checking your tire air pressure and tread depth. This helps to ensure optimal traction, which is essential for safety and performance. Additionally, it’s crucial to inspect the sidewalls for any cracks or rot and to feel for any cupping on the tires.
• Chain examination—If you ride a chain-driven bike, inspect the chain weekly to help ensure it stays tight and well-lubricated. Exposure to the elements can cause it to deteriorate or become loose. If needed, clean the chain and apply motorcycle chain lubricant.
• Fluid top-up—Motorcycles depend on more than just oil and gas. Brake fluid and coolant play a crucial role in your ride’s performance and can sometimes leak if the bike has been idle. Regularly monitor these fluid levels and replenish or replace them as necessary.
• Cable checks—Inspect your clutch, brakes, throttle, choke and other cables regularly to ensure that they remain responsive and undamaged. Dry oil and grease in the cable housing can affect the performance of your clutch and throttle.

Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia Beach, VA

Summer is also an appropriate time to review your motorcycle insurance policy. Contact Matt Roenker Insurance Agency to ensure you have the proper financial protections in place for whatever summer adventures throw your way.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.