When spring arrives, you’ll feel the excitement of taking that first ride of the new season. It’s pure exhilaration taking your bike on the open road when the warm breezes of springtime come. But before that day arrives, check out your bike to make sure it’s ready. Over the long slumber of winter, you may find that your motorcycle needs some work to make it ready for road trips. Here are some of the most important things to inspect on your motorcycle.
Essential Motorcycle Maintenance
1) Starters
The starter is a prime suspect if your motorcycle is experiencing sluggish starts, but It’s not the only component that can make starts hard. Symptoms of a bad starter include hard cranking to get the engine to turn over, grinding sounds when trying to start and clicking sounds without the engine turning over. The starter, of course, is just one component in your electrical system. Problems could arise from other system components described below.
2) Batteries
When your battery loses its ability to hold a charge, you’re going to have problems in starting and operating your bike. This problem will eventually happen to all batteries, which have a limited lifespan. Hard starts and dimming lights are two telltale signs you might want to test your battery before it gives out altogether.
3) Alternators and Stator Coils
Depending on the design of your bike, you’ll have either an alternator or stator coil. These are the components that will generate electrical power to start and operate your motorcycle. A stator or alternator keeps your battery charged, enabling fast starts and fully powered electrical components.
4) Voltage Regulators
These essential components make sure enough electric current flows but not too much. As the name suggests, they regulate how much voltage passes through the system. Voltage regulators keep everything consistent so that surges don’t damage other components. An electrical surge can inflict harm to both other electrical components and accessories like lights.
5) Solenoids
Solenoids are often referred to as electromagnetic switches because they serve as the vital link between the ignition and starter. A properly functioning solenoid makes a significant difference in the ease of starting your motorcycle.
6) Gaskets
Fluid leakage is another common problem that can happen as gaskets wear out. This problem often reveals itself with oil and fluid spotting showing up on the garage floor or driveway. If you see any of these telltale signs, it’s wise to inspect your motorcycle to see where the source to the leak originates.
7) Brakes
Keeping in motion is the fun part of riding, but you also want the confidence of knowing your brakes are in good working order. If you notice some slippage when applying your brakes, it’s recommended that you inspect them without hesitation. If your brakes need to be worked on, you can find brake rebuild kits that supply the parts you need without sourcing components individually.
Keeping your motorcycle ready for the open road
Give your motorcycle a thorough inspection now to make sure it’s ready when you’re set for a road trip. When the open road calls your name, you want your bike to work perfectly. After all, on that first warm spring day, it’s better to be in motion rather than sitting on the sidelines.
