We know you’re itching to get back on two wheels, but completing this spring motorcycle checklist ahead of time can keep you and your bike safe for the entirety of the riding season.

Riders, rejoice! It’s nearly time to haul your warm-weather wheels out of hibernation. We know you’ve been dreaming of longer, warmer days for cruising Kentucky, but there are a few things you can do now to get a jump start on your spring riding time.

• Fill it up.
  The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) recommends starting the riding season with a fresh tank of gas. While this may require you to rid of old gas using a siphon pump, it’s important because stale fuel can cause extensive damage to internal lines. If you winterized your tank in the fall using a gas stabilizer, then you may not need to do this step.
   
• Charge or replace the battery.
  Many people place their battery on a trickle charger over the winter. If you forgot, be sure to test its power come springtime! Sitting in storage over winter can quickly drain your battery level, and it will likely need to be charged, if not replaced.   
   
• Check the tire pressure.
  Tires have a tendency to lose pressure during bouts of cold weather. In fact, colder temperatures will cause tire pressure to lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in air temperature, according to Consumer Reports. Because of this, you should always check your tire pressure before hitting the pavement. Check your owner’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your make and model. Also, do a quick inspection for any bald spots or even dry rot caused by extended periods of sitting in cold weather. Proper tire tread is essential to safely handling the road on two wheels.
   
• Change the oil.
  Even if you had your bike serviced toward the end of last year’s riding season, NAPA says it’s not a bad idea to start the spring out with fresh oil and a filter change. Fifteen minutes can make a world of difference in your bike’s life span.
   
• Perform a general check-up.
  Once you’ve completed the above steps, take a moment to make sure the rest of your bike is in good working condition. Do the blinkers, flashers, headlights, tail lights, and brake lights work? Do the brake pads show excessive wear? Are there any visible problems with the bike’s belts or chains? Are your brake fluid levels where they should be?

We know you’re itching to get back on two wheels, but completing this spring motorcycle checklist ahead of time can keep you and your bike safe for the entirety of the riding season.

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