Winter is finally over and you're probably itching to get out on two wheels again (if you haven't already) right? Sitting over the winter can be tough on your bike so here are some things to keep in mind before you hit the road.
From the Motorcycle Safety Foundation inspection checklist:
Tires, Wheels and Brakes
Tires should not be dry rotted or cracked
Spokes should be tight - Do not ride if a spoke is loose!
Test each brake individually to ensure that it can stop the bike from rolling
Levers/Pedals, Cables, Hoses and Throttle
Make sure levers and pedals aren't bent and are adjusted correctly
Check cables for kinks or fraying
Check hoses for deterioration or dry rot
Throttle should move freely and snap back into place when released
Battery, Headlamp, Tail light, Turn Signals, Mirrors, Lenses, Wiring
Check battery terminals for corrosion
Run through all lights to ensure no bulbs need replacement
Mirrors should be adjusted to you
Check lenses for cracks or broken pieces
Look for clean wiring connections and make sure wires are not pinched, frayed or pulled out
Oil levels & leaks
Run bike long enough to let engine warm up and turn off. Sit bike on level ground on side stand and check oil levels before riding
Look under bike for any leak and identify where its coming from
Frame, Suspension, Chain/Belt, Fasteners
Look over frame and swingarm to make sure any bushings/bearings are good and frame is still solid and safe
Front suspension should have smooth travel. Rear suspension should not have any leaks and should be equally adjusted
Check sprocket teeth and chain for any damage or weak spots. Look over belt for chunks that may have been taken out from last riding season
Finally, check center/side stand to ensure its ability to safely support the bike
For the full checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:
T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist
