Like any machine, your motorcycle will last longer and perform better with proper routine maintenance. Motorcycles, being placed in storage during the winter months should be inspected beforehand to catch any defects which may have occurring during the prior riding season. These inspection and maintenance checks should be performed once again at the start of the next riding season as well. Below we will discuss routine maintenance procedures that will make your motorcycle perform better and allow your riding season to go as smooth as possible.
Your motorcycle battery can take a beating during the winter months. The best way to protect it is to remove it and store it in a warmer environment, or place it on a trickle charger. If the area you store your bike in has a concrete floor, place the battery on a wood board. Temperature fluctuations in concrete floors will drain a battery. Check the battery for leaks, small cracks or anything unusual. During the winter months, your air cleaner usually becomes home for all manner of insects or other inhabitants. The air cleaner will need to be cleaned, inspected, and oiled. Usual routine maintenance requires this at least once a year.
Spark plugs are a valuable indicator of just how well your engine is running. Learn to “read” a spark plug. It is one of the easiest, quickest and best ways to check engine performance. The belt, chain, shaft drive, should be thoroughly inspected. Making sure all the parts of the system appear in good order with all parts properly tightened.
Tires and lights should be inspected regularly, during riding season or otherwise. Lights are easily checked. Tire air pressure should be checked before each trip. Check for cracks or worn spots, or punctures still holding the offending nail, screw etc. Solid or mag wheels should be checked for corrosion, cracks or dings. On spoke wheels, check the spokes for tightness. Loose spokes cause flats or even worse, crashes.
Cables pick up a lot of condensation over the winter, which then causes rust inside the cable. Rust on the cables weakening them and cause all manner of problems when the cable binds. Lubrication will go a long way in preventing problems. This is important for winter storage. Check your bikes chassis, and do a general nuts and bolts check regularly. A good time to do this is during oil and oil filter changes as they are done at regular intervals.