Cars and Motorcycles

Archivo del 9 de enero de 2012

It’s a new year, and sooner than we know it spring will be upon us – which means motorcycle riding will resume! I personally do not have a bike, but I do know quite a few avid riders who are already excited for the snow to melt. Before heading out, checking out safety of your bike is most important. Although excitement is hard to suppress, be sure to take a look at the following gauges and gadgets before you take your first ride of 2012.

Check your oil. Whether driving a car, motorcycle or other motor vehicle, this should be the simplest procedure to remember to do. Oil running smoothly will help your engine run at its best and will help you get the best gas mileage. After sitting all winter long, it’s likely that you’ll need to perform a complete oil change; although some riders are able to get away with no oil change after the winter months if they gave their bike fresh oil just before winter. In this case, it’s up to the owner’s discretion – but I would change it just for precautionary measure.

Lubricate. Lubrication always helps stiff parts back on their feet. Giving your brakes and engine fresh lube protects the parts and provides you a smooth ride. This is also a great time to check brake pads and to replace them if necessary. If they don’t need replacing now but are looking quite scant, make a mental note or set a date on your calendar to take a second look in a month or two.

Adjust. Ensuring valves and plugs are in proper shape and tightened as they should be will result in a great ride.

Charge your battery. After sitting all winter, it will be more than necessary to check your battery charge. A great way to avoid having to do this is to keep a slow trickle charge on the battery throughout the winter to help it stay alive and in good shape. Think about replacing it if it looks a little battered or the charge is low.

Fill up. Before you can take off, gas will be needed. Unless you used a fuel stabilizer, if you filled up before storage it was for naught. Over the cold winter months, fuel stored in your tank stratifies – or separates into layers – and can get thick and clumpy once it warms up. Replace with new gas.