This year the season never seems to arrive. Winter first, then restrictions due to the Covid19 emergency. But motorcyclists are cheerful and optimistic people and sooner or later they will be back on the streets.
And are you ready to jump back in the saddle? If you had put the bike in "hibernation" for the winter months, perhaps it is appropriate to follow some small precautions before leaving. Here are some useful tips that you can safely put into practice in your garage:
- Lift the cover off the bike and with the help of a flashlight check that there are no stains on the floor due to some hidden leak. At this point you can get it off the stands and move it by spinning the wheels for a few meters. Check that everything is normal, that everything "runs" at its best.
- Did you disconnect the battery? Well, with a maintainer, check the level and if necessary put it in charge. Then reattach it taking care to insert the poles in the right position. If, on the other hand, you had left it attached, it will most likely have deteriorated, especially if it was a few years old, and will need to be changed.
- Once the battery issue is settled, insert the key and start the bike. Let the engine idle for a few minutes, then when it is at temperature accelerate two or three times without exaggerating so as to make the fuel pump fill and check that it does not switch off.
- Check the fluid level and, if necessary, evaluate a complete oil and oil filter change, especially if it's been a few months too long.
- Did you grease the chain before storing the bike? Better, but make sure it's clean. Check the state of the links by spinning them and assess that they are parallel and well stretched. Lubricate everything with a suitable product, such as spray grease. Remember that after 30,000 kilometers it is time to replace the transmission.
- The last check to be carried out concerns the tires. Look in the workshop manual for the recommended pressure for your bike and obviously check that there are no cracks on the tread. Remember that even if they have traveled a few kilometers, the tires tend to harden over time, so consider replacing them.
These small tricks will help you get back on the saddle in complete safety, but if you are not practical, do not have the time or desire, contact your trusted workshop for a complete service.