In light of the ensuing motorcycle season, I wanted to bring you some motorcycle spring tune up tips. Above all, before you hit the open road.
I know it is still early, But, as the weather begins to warm; ever so slightly, motorcyclists everywhere, are itching to get out there and ride.
However, before you begin riding your motorcycle anywhere, there are some motorcycle spring tune up tips you need to follow. Consequently, I always recommend you refer to your owner’s manual for specifications; tips and regular maintenance schedules, but this should get you started.
If you don’t do a motorcycle spring tune up, before you leave the driveway; inevitably something fails, especially on the first ride. This includes your ATV.
Motorcycle Spring Tune Up Tips:
Tires and Wheels
Check the air pressure of your tires. Inflate to the pressure specified in your owner’s manual. Look for wear and tear on the treads, cracks, bulges or embedded objects. Have a good look at your wheels (rims) for roundness, cracks and dents. Look for bent, broken or missing spokes.
Controls
Review the levers, to make sure they are still lubricated, adjusted and fitted properly. Make sure that none of them are, broken, bent or cracked. Inspect cables, to make sure they are not frayed, kinked, or folded into sharp angles. Also, test to make sure your motorcycles cables, at no time, interfere with your ability to steer.
Check hoses for cuts, cracks, leaks, bulges, chafing or deterioration. Like cables, hoses should not interfere with your steering or suspension, and should not be folded into sharp angles. Test that the throttle moves freely, does not stick and snaps closed when released. Also, a very important part, of every motorcycle spring tune up.
Lights
If you removed your battery over the winter, install it. Your owner’s manual should tell you how. Check the battery to make sure the terminals are, clean and tight. Charge and test it before installation. Look over the lenses on the motorcycle to make sure they are not, cracked or broken and are mounted securely. Make sure they do not have excessive condensation trapped inside. Condensation is a sign of a broken seal, which may need replacing.
Water and electricity just don’t mix and condensation, makes for lousy reflections. Furthermore, check to ensure the reflectors are not cracked, broken and are securely mounted. Next, check the motorcycles headlamp for cracks. Also, confirm, it points at the right height and direction.
Check the operation of the high beam and low beam options. Test the tail lamp and brake lights, to make sure they work when they should. Test, both of the turn signals – left and right! Also, a very important part, of every motorcycle spring tune up.
Oil And Other Fluids
Check the levels and quality of all fluids. As a result, replace or top-up fluids that need it. Also, check for leaks of these same fluids.
Chassis
Review the condition of the frame, looking for lifting paint, cracks, or dents. Check the tension, of the belt or chain. Also, lubricate the chain if needed. Inspect the teeth of the sprockets. Finally, replace broken or missing fasteners and tighten if loosened.
Motorcycle Stands
For both, center stands and side stands. Check for any cracking or bending. And, that it springs into place. Also, it has the required tension, to hold the motorcycle in position.
Conclusion
As you can see, a motorcycle spring tune up, is vital for your safety. So, I really should not have to talk about riding gear; as safety is the key here, but I feel it necessary anyway.
In conclusion, helmet, leather gloves, leather jacket, pants or jeans; riding boots and protective eyewear, are things you should never ride without. Start safe…. ride safe….. stay safe….
Thank You !
