De-Winterizing Your Motorcycle
As the weather warms up, intrepid motorcyclists everywhere are chomping at the bit to get their bikes on the highway as soon as possible. However, riding after a season away from it takes some getting used to again. That goes for your bike as well as you. You should take the time to properly de-winterize your motorcycle so that it’s in the best shape possible before hitting the road. This will help ensure you don’t suffer a breakdown as soon as you set out!
Peak Powersports LLC is your local motorcycle dealership. We’re proud to be a top bike dealer in the cities of Buffalo and Sheridan, Wyoming. As such, we’ve provided this guide to de-winterizing your motorcycle to get you off on the right foot.
Initial Inspection
First, remove the cover on your bike and get it under good lighting. You’re going to perform a thorough visual inspection of every aspect of your motorcycle, from top to bottom. Any damage needs to be noted so you can address it yourself or get your bike in to a professional mechanic. Look for dings or scratches and polish up any areas that seem dirty. Taking the time to look over your bike will let you know exactly what needs to be done before you can ride it.
Check Fluids
The fluids in your bike’s engine definitely need to be changed out and replenished before you can ride. An oil change and oil filter change will be in order; you can either do this yourself or have a pro take care of it, depending on your time and experience level. The brake fluid likely needs to be replenished as well and your bike might even have two reservoirs for this, at the front and back. You will also want to check your transmission fluid. If you’ve left gasoline in the tank all winter, you should probably drain it and refill it with fresh fuel.
Adjust Tire Pressure
Your tires are likely a little flat after time in storage. There is generally a pressure recommendation on the tire wall or in your owner’s manual, so use a tire pressure gauge to check their current pressure, then air them up to the suggested levels. While you’re down there, look over the tires carefully. You don’t want to ride on bad tires ever, even if this means replacing them entirely. The expense is worthwhile because it’ll ensure that you have a safe and smooth riding experience.
Check each tire for embedded objects, low tread depth, worn spots or cracks in the rubber. Any of these issues will necessitate a trip to your local service department for repair or replacement. You can call the shop here at Peak Powersports LLC to have us take a look for you!
Visit A Professional
Even though there are plenty of maintenance tasks you can do at home with a little know-how and the right tools, sometimes you need more help. If your bike has some serious mechanical issues, you don’t want to try to tackle these yourself if you’re not well-versed in them already.
There’s nothing wrong with having a shop take a look at your machine to give it a thorough tune-up! In fact, this can be a great way to ease any concerns you might have about the condition of your bike after it’s been in storage for several months. Contact your local motorcycle dealer — in this case, Peak Powersports LLC — to schedule a professional maintenance appointment if necessary!
Looking to trade in your current bike? Visit your Wyoming bike dealer, Peak Powersports LLC, today to see our full selection of motorcycles for sale. Peak Powersports LLC proudly serves the cities of Sheridan and Buffalo, Wyoming.