Summer is in full swing, and for many bikers, it’s the ideal time to take out the motorcycle and enjoy the crisp and clear roads in Massachusetts. However, if you had your bike stored up for the winter, or did maintenance on your bike to make it more suited to the winter months, it might be time to conduct a little summer maintenance to make your bike tip-top before you take it for a spin.
The team at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, has been working with riders for over a decade, and we know how important seasonal bike maintenance is in order to maximize the enjoyment and safety of riding a motorcycle. Here are some tips for getting your bike primed for those summer rides.
Motorcycle Summer Maintenance Checklist
- Change Old Fuel- If you had your bike in storage during the colder moths, before taking it out on the road, you might want to drain the fuel tank and get fresh gas. Old fuel can turn gooey, and when it is run through a bike, it can cause blockages in your fuel-injection system. If you neglect doing this, you may be spending time and money on a fuel-system cleaning.
- Check Engine Fluids- Be sure you are up to date on regular oil changes. If you had your bike in storage during the cold months and didn’t get an oil change prior to putting it away, you might want to change the oil and filter. Old oil contains acidic materials that can cause damage to a motorcycle’s engine. If your bike features a liquid cooling system, make sure the coolant is at the appropriate levels.
- Examine the Brake Pads- Braking is one of the most critical features on a bike. Check your brake pads to see if they have been worn down to less than 2 millimeters of thickness. If they have less than 2 millimeters, it is time to change the brake pads. Some brake pads have a wear indicator on them, and that makes it simpler to know when it is time to change them or not.
- Check the Air Pressure and Quality of Your Tires- Cold weather can cause the tire pressure on your bike to take a dip. Before riding your motorcycle, check the tire pressure to make sure it is high enough to ride safely. Also, be sure to check the tread on your tires to ensure they are in good condition. If the tread of the tire is too worn or there are visible signs of rot, it would be a good idea to replace the tires.
- Test Your Battery- Dead or weak batteries are something that should always be checked in order to keep a motorcycle in peak condition. After a long layoff, you may want to consider recharging the battery, but if the charge won’t hold, you may be out of luck. Drained batteries should be replaced to keep the bike running at top form.
- Lights, Fasteners, Action- Once your battery is up to snuff, check that all your lights are operational. Headlights, taillights, and signals should be in working order before you hit the road. Make sure that the throttle and clutch are in working order and tighten any loose fasteners on the bike. After this, your bike should be good to go for the summer.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Boston Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Even if you take all the precautions to make sure your bike is safe to ride, you still may end up in an accident due to the negligence of other drivers on the road. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident in Boston, you need an experienced legal team of Boston motorcycle accident lawyers to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, and let us fight to get you justice. Call our Boston office at (617) 870-0907 to schedule a free consultation.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.