The Spring Time Maintenance Check List

Well spring is right around the corner and its time to start getting our bikes ready for another safe riding season. So I thought I would put a list together as a reminder for all you lucky people that will be out there on the road before me. Not saying you don't already know what to do, but just to remind you and help those that may not know all the things they need to check.
  1. Battery -- fluid levels have to be full, and the battery fully charged. If fluid levels are low, make sure you add only distilled water. If you have to charge it up, make sure you charge it slowly over night -- no more than a 2 amp rate of charge.

  2. Tires -- probably the most important and often neglected part of your bike. You should check tread depth. Look for signs of dry rot (cracking) and most importantly tire pressure. Tire pressure is the most overlooked part of motorcycle maintenance. I can't tell you how many bikes I've worked on that had improper tire pressure. Often time's these bikes only had 10lbs of air in the front tire -- NOT GOOD. Not only is this unsafe (a tubeless rim tire could roll off in a curve) it promotes poor wear. So follow the tire manufacturer's recommendations located on the side of all tires. Also check them often throughout the year because pressures change with temperature. I always check my pressures before any long trip of say 200 miles or more. Often I have found big differences.

  3. Check all lights -- headlight high & low beam, turn signals, and brake. Both front handle break & foot pedal break have to operate the brake lights.

  4. Brakes -- REAL IMPORTANT -- pull the front handle to check to see if you have drag and that it releases when you let off. Repeat this check for the rear break. If you can, try to inspect your pads and rotors or take it to someone who can. Often time's when bikes set all winter the brake calipers will hang up and not always want to loosen back up without rebuilding. Don't drive a bike with the brakes hanging up. They will overheat and could warp the rotors, or the heat could cause the brakes to fail altogether.

  5. Clutch -- if it's hydraulic, check fluid levels and operation. You don't want it releasing to soon or to late.

  6. Give your bike a good all over inspection. Check all cables and hoses. Look for anything out of the ordinary. Anything leaking or broken is better found now than 100 miles from home. One thing often neglected on bikes with cables is lubing the cables and the barrel ends of the cables. This negligence can cause broken cables at the side of the road and bad memories of a trip.

  7. Finally, give that fun machine a good fresh oil & filter change and checking all fluids. Don't forget those air filters. Clean or replace them, with the cost of petrol these days it's well worth the time it takes.

    Don't forget some bikes have places that need greasing. If your bike is chain driven, don't forget to check the chain tension and keep it lubed with the proper lubricant. The correct lubricant won't fly off and get the chrome all dirty.

    On belt driven bikes, check those belts for cracks, holes, or signs of fraying, You don't want to have it snap half way home from a long trip (especially on those full dressers -- they're not fun to change.) You'll also want to check the belts for small rocks imbedded in them because they can cause pulley wear and belt breakage.

  8. Last but not least, check safety equipment, mirrors, windshields, flares, first aide kit, sun block, gloves, glasses, chaps, H.I.M. vest, and leathers.

Ride Safe Have a good season see you out there soon GOD BLESS you all.
Marvin The Martian

Remember if anybody needs any help, I'm just a call away Cell# 248-431-2174 Home# 248-738-0864