After months of not riding it, you may start thinking about taking your motorcycle out of winter storage. If you want to make sure you'll do it the right way, read this post that Lee ; Rita Downhill in AMSOIL: Lee & Rita Downhill: Lee & Rita Downhill has for you.
Winterizing your motorcycle is the smart thing to do. The snow on the ground, the cold air, and the poor visibility make riding your motorcycle during the winter a dangerous activity. If you aren't using your motorcycle during that time, storing it away will keep it protected and in top shape for when the spring days come.
Fortunately, the spring days have come, and it's time to start thinking about taking your motorcycle out of winter storage. If you're getting ready to ride again, the post below will share the best tips to ensure your bike is prepared to hit the road.
When you're on your motorcycle, the tires are what keep you up, give you balance, and get you rolling. For this reason, you have to make sure you can continue riding on them safely. After all, they spent months putting all of the weight of the bike on one spot. Plus, the coldness can deflate them. Check that they're in good shape before you hit the road.
Change the Engine's Synthetic Oil
Whenever the engine is on, its moving components move and brush against each other. This can create friction that increases the heat and damages the components. Synthetic oil has the job of protecting and lubricating those components. Still, it can become ineffective after some time, disuse, and harsh temperatures. To ride smoothly, change the engine's synthetic oil.
To keep your motorcycle's engine in mint condition for longer, feed it with AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, the most effective synthetic oil in AMSOIL: Lee & Rita Downhill: Lee & Rita Downhill.
Ensure the Battery Works
The cold weather can have consequences on a few different components. For example, freezing temperatures can affect the battery. Moreover, disuse can also impact the battery's power. This is why you may find that your battery died while on storage. Still, more often than not, you will just need to recharge it to guarantee you can ride safely. Just be sure to also look for rust, corrosion, or other issues.
Replace the Fuel
Not only can the weather impact the motorcycle, but the stagnation can also have a few dire consequences on it too. For example, the fuel can go bad and have adverse effects on the fuel system (basically, it can break down and clog it). For this reason, if you didn't use a fuel stabilizer before storing the motorcycle, you will have to drain the fuel tank, lines, and carburetor and refill it.
Get Your Motorcycle Washed and Waxed
You have to take a few steps to protect your motorcycle from the elements while it's in storage (like keeping it in a garage, covered with a tarp). Still, humidity, dust, and filth can get to it. To make it good as new once more, wash it and wax it. Don't forget to check the exhaust pipes, as small animals and bugs could've made them their home during the winter months.
Another step before finishing the process of taking your motorcycle out of winter storage is to take it for a ride around the block. This can be useful for a couple of reasons. For one, it can help you practice and remember how to ride your motorcycle in a safe place. Likewise, it can help you notice if there are any issues with the bike's functionality. Be sure to address them before you step out on the road.
Visit a Mechanic
Finally, it's a great idea to visit a mechanic. After all, you may need an expert eye to look at your motorcycle and ensure that it is ready to take you on many joyful, safe rides during the upcoming months.