| As the winter starts winding down and the days get | | | | sure it's clean and free of moisture. Water gives oil a |
| longer, you're probably getting eager to don that | | | | milky appearance which can eventually cause |
| leather vest and your motorcycle chaps and get out | | | | corrosion. If moisture did get into your oil, change it |
| on that first spring road trip. If you live in a place | | | | again and replace the filter—even if you changed it |
| where the winter months are spent under a blanket | | | | right before storing it. |
| of snow, then your motorcycle and motorbike gear | | | | This is a good time to put fresh fluid into the brake |
| has likely been sitting dormant for a few months. | | | | master cylinder and check the condition of your |
| Just as it is hard for you to put your bike away for | | | | brake pads. If they worn or thin, replace them |
| winter, the inactivity can be equally taxing on your | | | | before you go riding very far. Also check the |
| bike. Rather than revving it up and hitting the road at | | | | lubrication and the condition of the drive-line, chain, |
| the first sign of warm weather, you will enjoy safer | | | | and sprockets. Check and change your fork oil if |
| and more rewarding rides as well as prolong the life | | | | needed then look for any leaks wherever there is |
| of your motorcycle if you properly prepare your bike | | | | fluid—even minor leaks should be fixed. |
| for the riding season. | | | | Whether you do your own maintenance or use a |
| A lot of what you do to get your bike and | | | | mechanic, make sure you check the plugs, air filter, |
| motorbike gear ready for spring depends on what | | | | carb synch, wheel bearing, spoke tension, tire |
| you did to prepare it for winter storage. Your | | | | pressure, and make sure all plugs and fasteners are |
| owner's manual has a check list of tasks to complete | | | | tight. |
| before you store it. Performing these tasks will make | | | | Finally, washing and applying a fresh coat of wax to |
| your spring preparation easier and less expensive. | | | | your bike not only keeps it looking good, it can also |
| You can do much of the maintenance yourself or | | | | prevent rust and corrosion from occurring. |
| have a qualified mechanic prepare the engine for use. | | | | Thoroughly clean and dry everywhere moisture |
| During the winter, condensation can build up in your | | | | accumulates. |
| fuel tank and carburetor. This can cause rust and | | | | In addition to your bike, you might want to give your |
| corrosion in your fuel system. Before you put your | | | | motorbike gear, leather vests, and motorcycle chaps |
| bike in storage, you probably filled the tank and | | | | some attention. Properly caring for your leather |
| turned off the petcock (if it has one). Before you | | | | maintains that classic motorcycle leather look and feel |
| turn on the petcock, disconnect the fuel line and drain | | | | as well as extends the life of your apparel. |
| all the fuel from the tank. Clean the fuel filter and | | | | If you take the time to properly prepare your |
| inspect the tank and the carburetor float bowl for | | | | motorcycle for riding after storing it, you will enjoy |
| rust or corrosion. Replace the fuel line and then fill it | | | | safe and worry-free season of riding. Regular |
| with fresh fuel. | | | | maintenance will also prolong the life of your |
| If you changed your oil and filter before storing your | | | | motorcycle. |
| bike, the oil should be fine. Check the oil to make | | | | |