It’s the offseason for motorcycle riding and many of us have our bikes locked away in storage until the spring. If your bike is still accessible, you may want to check in on it and complete a few general maintenance tasks to keep it in top condition. Doing these things now will help, so that your motorcycle is ready to ride right away when the warm weather hits.
Here are three easy maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your motorcycle in top condition while in storage:
- Change the Oil: One of the easiest things a motorcyclist can do is change a bike’s oil. Staying on top of oil maintenance is extremely important because it’s the lifeblood of the engine, keeping it running properly. If regular oil changes aren’t completed, your engine could seize up, requiring very costly repairs. Staying up to date with oil changes will help your engine run efficiently and give it a longer life. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for the oil type needed and any other instructions specific to your bike. Many people like to do oil changes before they put their motorcycle in storage, so if you did that, you could skip this task. Check out this video from our award-winning “Behind the Handlebars” series on how to change a motorcycle’s oil.
- Replace Air Filters: To keep your motorcycle’s engine clean and free of debris, you’ll need fresh air filters. Replacing the air filters on your bike regularly will keep your engine at top performance and make every ride efficient with better gas mileage. Make sure you check out the bike’s manual to make sure you're installing the correct filter and for any instructions specific to your motorcycle. As always, you can call your local motorcycle dealership to order the correct parts and to answer any questions you may have.
- Give the Brakes a Checkup: Safe motorcycle riding relies on many things and braking is at the top of that list. Having reliable brakes will give you peace of mind, allowing you to stop easily when needed. Look at your brake pads and check for signs of wear. If they look worn down, they should be replaced. Worn brakes will dramatically increase your stopping distance, putting you at risk on the road. Check your brake fluid levels as well. Top it off or replace it based on the increments said in your motorcycle’s user manual.
Staying up to date on your motorcycle’s maintenance while it’s in storage will help ensure that it’s ready to ride right when that spring weather hits. Working on your motorcycle might also scratch that riding itch for now, even though you’re not taking it out on the road. You’ll also have peace of mind when you go on your first ride in the spring, knowing that your bike is in top condition. If you’re not comfortable completing any of these tasks, take your bike to your local dealership or a qualified mechanic to get the job done.
Hupy and Abraham has been dedicated to keeping motorcyclists safe for decades. The firm’s “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign promotes motorcycle awareness through stickers, billboards, T-shirts and television commercials. Hupy and Abraham also works to help riders stay safe on the road by sharing great safety articles and tips on our Rider Resource page at hupy.com.
Hupy and Abraham is here for you if you’ve been in a motorcycle, car or any other type of accident. We’ve helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries over the last 50 plus years. If you’ve been injured, call 800-800-5678 or visit hupy.com today, so we can start fighting for you.
