Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist
Spring is finally here in Colorado, which means that it’s time to break out your summer ride. If that means a motorcycle for you, it’s time to do all the maintenance necessary to ensure your bike will be safe and fun to ride this season.
At Pushchak Law, we want this spring season to be a safe one for you. We’re providing a brief checklist to make sure you go through all the steps necessary to ensure your bike runs safely so you can avoid a motorcycle accident.
Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist
Make sure you take care of the following items before going out on your first spring motorcycle ride:
Visual Inspection
- Look for leaks
- Look for signs of wear or interference
- Check for loose hardware
- Vacate wildlife
- Electrical Check
- Charge battery and check voltage
- Check battery age
- Clean terminals
- Examine gauges
- Test lights and signals
- Test horn
- Inspect fuses and add spares
- Check Tires and Wheels
- Check tread depth
- Check tire age
- Inspect tire for rot and cracking
- Inspect wheel bearings
- Inflate tires
- Inspect and Maintain Final Drive
- Clean and lubricate chain
- Ensure all chain links move freely
- Check for wear on chain and sprockets
- Inspect belt for cracks
- Adjust alignment and tension of belt or chain
- Engine and Fluid Check
- Inspect spark plugs
- Change the oil
- Change oil filter
- Add fresh fuel
- Inspect fuel filter
- Check primary fluid
- Check transmission fluid
- Check final drive gear oil
- Check coolant
- Check brake fluid
- Inspect air filter
- Repack muffler
- Brake Check
- Inspect brake pads
- Inspect rotors
- Inspect brake line or hose
- Check brake levers
- Adjust brakes and levers
- Controls
- Lubricate control cables
- Adjust cable free play
- Adjust shifter and brake pedal
- Grease fittings and lubricate pivot points
- Final Tests
- Clean your bike
- Let the engine run
- Check for loose bolts
- Check tire pressure (again)
- Get your gear
- Stretch and loosen up
- Take a short test drive
The Importance of Motorcycle Maintenance
Your motorcycle is a high-performance machine. It gives you speed and maneuverability you just don’t get in another vehicle. You depend on that performance to help keep you safe, so you need to make sure your motorcycle is ready and able to perform on demand.
Electrical problems can easily leave you stranded on the road. A battery that is too old or defective will make it impossible for you to start your motorcycle or even to keep operating.
You depend on your tires for acceleration and maneuvering. If they’re worn or old, you can find yourself sliding dangerously during maneuvers.
Your ability to accelerate around cars and trucks is critical to your safety, and if your final drive belt or chain is in bad shape it can fail when you demand acceleration, putting you in harm’s way.
Fluids need to be changed regularly as they evaporate when left standing or degrade under hot conditions. Fuel is highly unstable and begins to degrade within weeks. If it’s been a long winter, consider draining old fuel before adding the new.
Brake pads degrade under use. Make sure you have thick enough pads, and also make sure there are no streaks, grooves, or cracks in your pads or rotors. Make sure your rotors are flat and straight.
Test all your controls before you ride, making sure that the brakes engage and that you can easily activate each control.
Finally, remember that motorcycle riding is physically demanding. All your riding muscles have weakened while you haven’t been riding, and it will take time for you to get back in shape. Avoid hurting yourself by stretching before you ride.
And don’t forget your safety gear!
Contact Pushchak Law If You Have a Motorcycle Accident
Unfortunately, all the maintenance in the world can only do so much to protect you from motorcycle accidents. You are still at risk from the inattention of other drivers.
If you are involved in an accident in Denver, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer who will protect your rights and get fair compensation for you. At Pushchak Law, our exclusive Informed Decisions™ approach puts you first. We take time to listen to your situation and your goals. Then we give you the information you need to make the right decision for you. Finally, we do everything in our power to ensure a fair outcome for you.
We don’t get paid unless we win compensation for you. This is just part of our commitment to putting your needs first every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Denver area, please call 303-372-6145 or contact Pushchak Law today for a consultation.
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