 Prepare Yourself and Your Motorcycle for Spring and Summer
Fun
(ARA) - New motorcycle sales increased for the 11th consecutive year in 2003,
and with the riding season here, many two-wheelers will be on the highways and
country back roads having a great time. But before heading out, smart riders
will take the time to both prepare their bikes and tune up their riding skills.
“Spring is the time to make sure your bike is ready to roll, especially if it
spent the winter in the garage,” says Dr. Ray Ochs, director of training systems
for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). “It’s also the right time to get
refreshed on the golden rules of motorcycling and sharpen your riding skills by
taking an MSF RiderCourse.”
Start by checking out your riding gear. Are you due for a new helmet, one
that is manufactured to Department of Transportation standards? Also take a look
at your face shield or goggles to make sure there are no scratches or
distortions. Is your motorcycle jacket or riding suit in good shape and do you
need brighter clothing to be more conspicuous in traffic? How about the
condition of your boots and gloves?
Next, consider the all-important golden rules of motorcycle riding:
1. Take the MSF Basic RiderCourse if you haven’t done so already, or sign up
for the Experienced RiderCourse to expand on your current skills.
2. Make sure you are properly licensed to ride, and know that in most states
your MSF RiderCourse certification can make things easier at the Department of
Motor Vehicles.
3. Always avoid alcohol or other drugs before or during a ride.
4. Always wear the proper riding gear, especially a helmet.
5. Always ride within your skill limits.
Prepping the motorcycle involves 10 simple steps that can be handled over a
weekend:
1. Clean the bike by hand. Besides winding up with a shiny machine, your
close attention to details will highlight loose fasteners, leaks and any damage
you may not have noticed otherwise. Once you’ve cleaned the bike, finish up by
wiping the brake discs with denatured alcohol.
2. Lube everything, according to the owner’s or shop manual, check all fluid
levels (cooling system, hydraulic brake reservoirs, battery, chain or shaft
drive) and adjust and replace as needed.
3. Fully charge the battery.
4. Change the engine oil and filter.
5. Check drive chain tension (as needed) and check the tires for wear,
punctures and cuts, then inflate to the recommended pressures.
6. Adjust the mirrors and test all the lights, turn signals and horn. Then
check all the controls (throttle, brakes, clutch, shift lever), ensuring that
they smoothly operate and that the brakes work in proper fashion.
7. Turn the engine over several times manually, using the kick starter (if it
has one) or by placing the transmission in high gear and rotating the rear
wheel.
8. With fresh gasoline in the tank, open the fuel valve (to “prime” if it has
that setting) and start the engine, slowly warming it up and listening for
anything that sounds wrong.
9. Walk around the bike, check for leaks, perform a thorough visual
inspection, and make sure the side stand and center stand (if there is one)
fully retract as designed.
10. Take a brief, easy test ride to make sure everything works properly.
See a dealership or qualified professional if you’re not able to do all of
this maintenance yourself, or if anything doesn’t seem right with your
motorcycle.
Follow these suggestions and you’re likely all set for a summer of
two-wheeled enjoyment. For more information, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800)
446-9227 to get enrolled in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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