06/10/2024
Motorcycle maintenance checklist
Before you take your motorcycle out for that first ride of the season, use this motorcycle maintenance checklist to help keep yourself (and those around you) safe on the road.
Start with fresh fuel1
If you didnât drive your motorcycle all winter, the first thing to do is change the fuel. Gasoline gets stale when it sits in the tank too long. Use a siphon pump to get rid of any old gas, and then fill the tank with fresh fuel.
Change the oil
Just as you need clean fuel, you also need to change the oil and replace the oil filter before you take your bike out for your first ride. Neglecting this step can affect the performance and longevity of your motorcycle.
Check the battery life
Some riders disconnect their motorcycle batteries for the winter and recharge them every month or two. Once you reconnect the battery, youâre probably ready to roll. However, if itâs been sitting all winter long, you might have a dead battery on your hands. If itâs a fairly new battery, charging it up is fine. If itâs three or four years old, you may find it doesnât keep a charge, or you might have a hard time charging it. In that case, youâre probably better off purchasing a new battery and playing it safe.
Check your tires
Tires are some of the most important parts of any vehicle, so they deserve your time and attention. Check their air pressure to make sure itâs at a safe level for riding. Youâll also want to check your tread to determine if itâs still got enough depth to offer you sufficient traction. If your air pressure and tread are all set, then just look for any cracks or rot in the sidewall of the tires before moving on.
Inspect your chain
Your bikeâs chain is one of its most critical components, but constant exposure to the elements can cause it to deteriorate or become loose. Check it to ensure itâs still tight and well-lubricated. You may need to clean the chain and reapply lubricant.
Get plenty of fluids
Oil and gas arenât the only fluids your motorcycle depends on. Brake fluid and coolant are important for motorbike maintenance, but they can sometimes leak if your bike is left standing for a long period of time. Double-check your levels and refill or top them off. Or, flush out the old fluids and replace them with fresh fluids.
Don't forget your cables
Oil and grease in your cable housing can dry up over time, and that can affect the performance of your clutch and throttle. Inspect your clutch, brakes, throttle, choke, and any other cables to ensure theyâre still responsive and not frayed.
Make your bike shine
As a final step, make sure you give your motorcycle a thorough cleaning. Not only does it protect your paint and make your bike look fantastic, but cleaning your bike frequently keeps it in better working condition2.