Your Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist

A motorcycle can be one of your most prized possessions. When you live life on two wheels, you either spend the summer months riding your bike or the winter months dreaming of the open road, with the wind in your face and the rumble of the bike beneath you. 

But having a motorcycle isn’t just about the fun parts. It’s also about motorcycle maintenance, which helps your bike stay in tip-top shape during and after the riding season. Motorcycle upkeep ensures your ride is safe and problem-free.

So, make the most of your riding season by engaging in motorcycle service, properly prepping your bike before and after the season. Here’s a seasonal motorcycle maintenance checklist so that you can relax and enjoy the ride!

Keep Fuel in Tip-Top Shape

In the spring: If fuel has been sitting in your motorcycle over the winter months, then warmer weather is a sign to first drain out that fuel and replace it. Check your fuel lines for clogs or damage to ensure you won’t have leaks that will cause you to lose fuel during your first few rides.

In the fall: When the weather cools down, it’s time to store your bike for the season. But before you do that, it’s wise to drain the oil and fuel to avoid condensation problems. Even though you will be excited for your first ride next season, you should avoid storing your bike all winter with a full gas tank.

Pay Attention to the Battery

In the spring: If your bike doesn’t get used during the winter months, then you’ll want to charge your battery and make sure it has power in order to get you through another riding season. Most automotive supply stores will run a battery test for free or an affordable rate, so take advantage of this simple but powerful service.

In the fall: If you know your bike will be sitting idle for the next few months, consider using a trickle charger to keep the battery relatively charged all winter long. That ensures you won’t have any surprises when the first warm day rolls around in the spring.

Maintain Oil and Fluids

In the spring: Before your first ride of the season, it’s a good idea to check and change your oil, look at the levels on your brake fluid and test your spark plugs. Changing your fluids is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of keeping your bike running smoothly all summer long, which in turn saves you money on repairs.

In the fall: Autumn is an ideal time to clean and maintain your bike before putting it away for the winter. Pay attention when you’re cleaning your motorcycle so you can spot potential maintenance issues. If you have brake fluid on your tires, it may indicate a leak in your brake line; if your oil pan is attracting residue and dirt, you might be leaking oil. The idle winter months are a great time to focus on motorcycle maintenance.

Keep Those Tires in Good Shape

In the spring: Before you take your first ride of the season, check your tire pressure. You should make sure your tire pressure is sufficient: not over-inflated (which puts you at risk for a blowout), but not under-inflated or losing pressure.

In the fall: After a fun, full riding season, check the wear patterns on your tires. Make sure you have sufficient tire treads, and that you don’t see wear in parts (or all) of the tire. The end of the season is also a great time to remove and change worn tires in anticipation of the next riding season. That way you’ll be ready to go.    

Keep Chains and Belts Clean and Strong

In the spring: Inspect your chain for rust and wear. If it is rusty, clean it off and oil it after a short ride. Feel for looseness in the chain and tighten if there is too much slack. Check timing belts for cracks and wear and change them out if necessary.

In the fall: Oil the chain and clear any riding debris before storing your bike for the winter months. Oiling the chain should prevent rust from building up over the off season.

Stay Protected on the Road

When you spend a little extra time prepping your motorcycle at the beginning and end of the riding season, you can help ensure that you will have several years of exploration ahead of you. And when you have motorcycle coverage from Farm Bureau, you can rest assured that you are covered — no matter where the open road takes you. Talk to an Farm Bureau agent to learn more.